Based on this realization, the usefulness of devising practical management systems within the specialized literature is a dual one. On the one hand, these models are highly useful as they introduce the novice international manager to the elements which need to be taken into consideration upon engaging in cross-border management. On the other hand however, they are only limitedly useful as they do not apply in all circumstances. For instance, an economic agent in the United States looking to expand its operations in China or in Mexico would find little applicability of the practical management system devised by Christoph Dorrenbacher.

All in all then, the final finding is that the practical management systems within the specialized literature do represent a valid starting point, but that economic agents have to devise their own models which are customized to their own contexts and variables.

5. Conclusions

Within the modern day context of globalization and opening boundaries, economic agents are presented with the ability to launch cross-border operations. This ability is nevertheless a source of both opportunities as well as threats. In order to maximize the opportunities while in the same time minimizing the threats, the academic community devises a wide array of practical management systems which come to support managers in their international administration processes and decisions.

The specialized literature is filled with examples of practical models of cross-border management and these focus on the issues considered of importance for the authors. Leonard H. Friedman finds that international management is too complex to be integrated in a single model. Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe focus on the need to integrate diversity; Witold Nowinski emphasizes the need for restructuring; Christoph Dorrenbacher strengthens the need for relational management, whereas Martha S. Peyton militates for risk management.

The discussion which was conducted as a result...