Invisible Architects: Mapping the Influence of Non-Elite “Globalizing Actors” in Transnational Norm Formation

Building directly on Edwards et al. (2024), who highlight “forgotten globalizing actors” inside multinationals, this project proposes a systematic, cross-sectoral study of how these non-elite actors (e.g., local staff, mid-level managers, technical specialists) influence the creation, adaptation, and diffusion of international norms. While current literature mostly focuses on high-level diplomats, CEOs, or transnationally mobile actors, this idea asks: What mechanisms enable “ordinary” organizational members to contribute to norm-building? Using social network analysis and in-depth interviews across several multinational organizations, the research would uncover the informal channels, “social skills,” and micro-level strategies these actors use to shape outcomes. This approach promises a much richer, bottom-up understanding of norm formation and could reshape how we think about power, agency, and authority in IOs.

References:

1. Forgotten globalizing actors: towards an understanding of the range of individuals involved in global norm formation in multinational companies. Tony Edwards, Kyoungmi Kim, Phil Almond, Philipp Kern, Olga Tregaskis, L. Zhang (2024). Journal of International Business Studies.