Rethinking Disaster Risk in Global Business

Natural disasters present unique, hard-to-manage threats for multinational enterprises (MNEs), going far beyond typical business risks. This research highlights that current international business theories often fall short in the face of these unpredictable, high-impact events, demanding new ways of thinking and planning.​

Why Partnerships and Resilient Supply Chains Matter

The authors extend internalization theory, showing that building multi-sector partnerships and developing alternative supply chains are essential for navigating the uncertainty and complexity of disasters. Tailoring these resilience strategies to the geographic scope of both the company and the disaster is key to ensuring operational continuity and business survival in crisis contexts.​

A Research Agenda for the Future

Leaders and scholars are called to action: disaster preparedness, strategic collaboration, and adaptive supply chain management must become priorities in international business. By advancing research and sharing best practices, MNEs can better protect themselves—and the communities they touch—from future shocks.