Unlocking subsidiary performance: exploring the impact of subsidiary TMT composition, PCN tenure and subsidiary age

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between subsidiary manager’s demographic characteristics and performance, while incorporating the subsidiary context. We draw upon upper echelon theories and International Business theories to understand this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a dataset based on listed Multinational subsidiaries in India we use linear regression to establish the relationship between subsidiary external performance (host market performance), subsidiary internal performance and subsidiary manager’s demographic characteristics. Findings With our data set we find a positive relationship between percentage of host country nationals (HCN) in the Top Management Team (TMT) and subsidiary host market performance and that subsidiary age moderates this relationship. We also find an inverted U-shaped relationship between parent country nationals (PCN) tenure and subsidiary performance. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations is that our study views the strategy process through the Upper Echelons (UE) theory lens, as a clearly specified planning process that associates strategy with intentionality. The opportunity that emanates at lower levels can turn an intended strategy into something different than what was started. Practical implications The findings in this paper can be the basis for decision making on the constitution of leadership teams. Originality/value There is a dearth of empirical evidence and studies on TMTs in the subsidiary, particularly from the non-North American context. Using a unique data set of listed multinational subsidiaries in India, the paper explores the impact of TMT demographics such as tenure of the TMT and age of the subsidiary operations on the performance of the subsidiary.