Transnational corporations and global capitalism: reflections on the last 40 years

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the author's research and teaching on transnational corporations and global capitalism over the last 40 years. Design/methodology/approach – A chronological account of the changing nature of TNCs and their impacts, and the evolution of critical studies within the field. Findings – Within the literature on TNCs, critical scholarship has played an important role in developing alternative perspectives. Research limitations/implications – The paper reports the author's personal reflections on his field of study, which are intentionally subjective. Practical implications – Appreciation of the scope and effectiveness of critical scholarship in international business. Originality/value – The paper's value lies in offering a broad-brush picture of the evolution of TNCs and their critical study over four decades.