While much existing research on multinational corporation (MNC) digital transformation has followed a linear design and implementation logic using cross-sectional data, the multiple and divergent needs of headquarters (HQ) and subsidiaries suggest that MNC digital transformation actually involves a more iterative journey. The purpose of this paper is to apply the theoretical perspective of embeddedness to better define the complexities of MNC digital transformation, and identify how HQ and subsidiaries can navigate the complexities.,This paper presents a longitudinal multi-case study of five Forbes Global 2000 firms that are HQ in Europe with large subsidiaries in the USA. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 26 senior executives at HQ and subsidiaries over a 15-month period.,The process of digital transformation is significantly influenced by internal embeddedness (relationship of HQ with subsidiaries and across subsidiaries) and external embeddedness (relationship of subsidiaries with their local markets), and also by strategy, financial and technology considerations. While HQ and subsidiaries have different perspectives, an understanding of these influences can help HQ and subsidiaries navigate digital transformation.,HQ and subsidiaries can apply insights from this research to navigate the complexities of digital transformation.,This paper demonstrates that embeddedness is a useful theory to understand the complexities of MNC digital transformation.

中文翻译：

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全球业务流程的数字化转型：双重嵌入的作用

尽管许多有关跨国公司（MNC）数字化转型的研究都遵循使用横截面数据的线性设计和实施逻辑，但总部（HQ）和子公司的多种多样需求表明，跨国公司数字化转型实际上涉及更多的迭代过程。本文的目的是运用嵌入性的理论视角更好地定义跨国公司数字化转型的复杂性，并确定总部和子公司如何应对复杂性。本文对五个《福布斯》全球2000强企业进行了纵向多案例研究。在欧洲设有总部，在美国设有大型子公司。作者在15个月的时间内对总部和子公司的26位高管进行了深入采访。数字化转型的过程受到内部嵌入度（总部与子公司和跨子公司的关系）和外部嵌入度（子公司与当地市场的关系）以及战略，财务和技术方面的影响。尽管总部和子公司有不同的观点，但了解这些影响可以帮助总部和子公司驾驭数字化转型。总部和子公司可以运用这项研究的见解来应对数字化转型的复杂性。本文证明嵌入式是一种有用的理论了解跨国公司数字化转型的复杂性。