Performance Shortfall Scope and Emerging Economy enterprises’ Overseas R&D

Based on the Behavioral Theory of the Firm and upper echelon theory, this study examines the impact of performance shortfall scope on emerging economy enterprises’ (EEEs) overseas research and development (R&D). First, this study suggests that the broader the performance shortfall scope is, the less likely EEEs are to implement overseas R&D. Moreover, this study suggests that top management team (TMT) tenure weakens the negative impact of performance shortfall scope on EEEs’ overseas R&D. Meanwhile, CEO duality enhances the above relationship. Based on the empirical data pertaining to Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises from 2003 to 2020, this study confirms the arguments put forward. This study is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between performance shortfall scope and EEEs’ overseas R&D.