Top-Managers of Foreign Multinational Enterprises in Mexico : Socialization, Leadership Style and Impact

Abstract

This study focuses on the top-managers who run the subsidiaries of foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) in Mexico. While some of them are Mexican, others are foreigners who have been sent from the countries of origin of their enterprises. The thesis explores and compares the socialization, worldviews, values, identities and social distinction practices of these top-managers and investigates the intercultural interactions, identity, struggles and communication problems between Mexican and expatriate managers. In addition, the relationship and misunderstandings between foreign managers and local workers are taken into account. Furthermore, the impact of foreign multinational enterprises and foreign business elites on their local employees, their families and communities, and on Mexican society as a whole is examined. The question "Are foreign multinational enterprises and elites agents of cultural and institutional change and, if so, which impact do they have on Mexican society?" is addressed.