Polish subsidiaries in Germany – post-transition country firms’ legitimation strategies
Polish subsidiaries in Germany – post-transition country firms’ legitimation strategies

Summary/Abstract: Legitimacy in foreign markets, a concept rooted in institutional theory, has traditionally been exam-ined for firms originating from advanced economies. However, it becomes more complex for firmsfrom emerging and post-transition economies. Polish firms began establishing foreign subsidiariesafter the accession to the EU, primarily in European markets. In this context, Germany was a keydestination for Polish foreign direct investment (FDI). However, scholarly literature about foreignsubsidiaries established or acquired by Polish firms is limited. This article presents the analysis ofthe legitimation strategies employed by post-transition country firms in advanced economies, usingPolish subsidiaries in Germany as empirical cases. The empirical context is chosen due to its eco-nomic significance and the close linkages between Poland and Germany. With a conceptual frame-work, the authors synthesise legitimation strategies discussed in scholarly literature and highlightsome unique challenges for post-transition economy’s firms. The article presents the outcomesfrom a qualitative study, extending the framework and offering some fresh perspectives in the fieldof international business legitimacy.

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