The impact and potential role of multinational corporations in achieving sustainability in Latin American countries

Abstract

This thesis aims to assess the activities and influence of automotive multinational corporations (MNCs) in developing countries as it relates to the concept of "total sustainability" within three countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. It is an innovative perspective of the systemic sustainability issues incorporated in corporate strategy, industrial policy, worker representation, and the environmental protection. Research has focused on collecting information from journals, industry publications, and studies by international organization, on the interplay between government policy and automotive MNC activity. Focus of attention has been paid to influences on the "Pillars of Sustainability", described by Professor Nicholas Ashford, that encompass sustainable development: Environment, Economy, and Employment. Analysis of the observations and industry/policy trends has used the Ashford framework, which focuses on both the above mentioned factors of total sustainability and the many processes that interconnect their states. Attention is also paid to emergent complex system behavior and associated risks and opportunities. Conclusions and Recommendations are focused on systemic views of the challenges posed by automotive industry activity on the nations studied and policy recommendations on how to possibly both capture economic benefit, but also further sustainable development efforts. Suggested future research topics associated with this thesis would encompass the analysis of different industries, entrepreneurial enterprises, industrial policies, technologies and policies, or the development of associated System Dynamics models.