Are Multinational Enterprises Capable of and/or Responsible for Combating Rising Inequality?

Abstract

In the present world where global disruptions are prevalent and globalization is being challenged and transformed, multinational enterprises (MNEs) are under increasing pressures to promote sustainability. A myriad of challenges and tensions created by growing inequality within and between countries, cities, and individuals, coupled with recent disruptions in the global economy, beg important questions regarding the role of MNEs, urging both managers and policymakers to make smarter decisions concerning the interests of a wider range of stakeholders. This introductory chapter discusses a variety of contemporary issues and questions about inequality, geography, and global value chains, followed by the summaries of the chapters included in this book. The discussions herein offer academics, students, and practitioners a richer understanding of how MNE activities are being affected by the complex dynamics of the modern global business environment and what strategies they need to implement in order to adapt to a changing world while accounting for the interests of a broad range of stakeholders.