Institutional challenges in the transplant of an innovative production model: Expanding institutional theory using the sociological concept of ‘disrespect’: A case study from a Japanese transplant company in India.

Abstract

This case study proposes disrespect as a key theme in the study of institutional theory. It further proposes that disrespect could trigger long term industrial unrest in the subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNC). Whilst innovative production models and their tools provide economic advantage to the company, the interaction of those with the context of host country institutions often creates disruptions either due to unilateralism, managerial hegemonies. The power of MNCs to over-ride or ignore institutional resistance inflict disrespect resulting in long-term unrest as reported in this case study. Disrespect sent ripple effects across the institutions resulting in unrest. The result highlights the key theme of disrespect and its effect on industrial harmony in the Indian context.