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Mehdi Farashahi, PhD

Professor, Management
Director, International Business Program
Chair, Montreal Local Global Research Group
VP Program Administrative Science Association of Canada 2019-2020


Mehdi Farashahi, PhD
Office: S-MB 14325  
John Molson Building,
1450 Guy
Phone: (514) 848-2424 ext. 2923
Email: m.farashahi@concordia.ca

Mehdi Farashahi holds a BSc in aerospace engineering from North Carolina State University, and a MBA and a PhD in strategy from Concordia University. He is one of the founders and the Chair of Montreal Local/Global Research Group. His research interests combine institutional theory, organizations' forms and strategies, and global/local issues. He is particularly interested in management practices of firms in the global business environment and more specifically in developing and emerging economies. The applicability of western management theories in exploring management practices in other parts of the world has always been in his research agenda. Making aggregate analysis as a type of meta-analytical approach in synthesizing research through systematic review of literature is another field of his research since 2001. These systematic reviews are reflected in his publications and conference presentations. Most recent areas of his research are institutional entrepreneurship, organizational identity and internationalization of SMEs. He has conducted empirical research using samples from aviation, textile, and hotel industries. 

Dr. Farashahi has published in journals such as Organization Studies, Management International Review, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Journal of International Management, International Journal of Management Education, International Studies of Management and Organization, International Journal of Management Reviews and The International Journal of Commerce and Management. He has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the fields of strategy and international business at the Department of Management of John Molson School of Business since 1998. He is the recipient of the 2009-2010 Dean Award for teaching excellence at graduate level. He holds various technical licenses for different types of airplanes and has sixteen years of working experience as a field engineer, quality control inspector, technical manager, and training manager in the airline industry.

Education

PhD (Concordia University)

Areas of expertise

  • International business
  • Strategic Management
  • Internationalization of SMEs
  • Institutional change and economic development
  • Management and organizations in emerging and developing countries
  • Local/global institutions and strategy of firms
  • Management of multinational corporations
  • Synthesizing research
  • Aviation industry


Teaching activities

PhD Seminars

- International Management Seminar

- Debating Strategic Management Seminar

MSc Courses

- International Management

- Strategic Management

MBA Courses

- Global Competition and International Strategies

- Business Policy and Strategy

- Strategy and Joint Ventures

- Managing Strategic Action

EMBA Courses

- Managing in a Global Environment

- International Business

Managing Strategic Action

Strategy and Joint Ventures

- Aviation Strategic management 

Undergraduate courses

- Internationalization of SMEs 

- Management of Multinational Corporations 

Strategy and Competition

- Cross-cultural Management

Executive Centre JMSB

Seminar Certificate in Strategic Management (ICAO)

- Strategic Planning and Innovation (ICAO)

- Cross-cultural Management and Its Challenges


Research activities

interactive conferences with managers and professionals of Canadian firms

One of the organizers of the first Academic/Practitioner Conference inMontreal (August 14, 2009): MultinationalCorporations in Developing Economies and Emerging Economies: Local-globaldynamics and organizational adaptation.

Speakers: David Audretsch and Klaus Meyer and Executives such as JimCherry, Jeff Robert, and Shawn Fleck.

 

Chairing the second Academic/Practitioner Conference in Montreal(spring, 2010): Canadian InternationalCompanies Doing Business in Developing and Emerging Countries.

Speakers: R. Ramamurti (Northeastern U.), E. Westney (York U.), P.Somers CEO of Walter International, N. Steward VP of Rio Tinto Alcan, M.Zambianchi VP of Pirelli Tire, T. Meti CEO of GDNP Consulting.


 

Chairing the third Academic/Practitioner Conference in Montreal(spring, 2011): Canadian Small and MediumSize Enterprises Going Global: Challenges and Opportunities.

Speakers: D. Lessard (MIT),E. Westney (York U.), R. Voyer VP of SOPREMA, W.D. Mothersill President ofNational Angel Capital Organization, D. L'Heureux Regional VP of ExportDevelopment Canada.




Publications

Refereed Journal Articles

Farashahi, M. and Tajeddin, M. (2018). Effectivenessof Teaching Methods in Business Education: A Comparison Study on the Learningoutcomes of Lectures, Case Studies and Simulations. InternationalJournal of Management Education (in Press)

Chikhouni, A. Edwards, G. and Farashahi, M. (2016). Psychic distance and ownership in acquisitions: Directionmatters. Journal of International Management, 23: 32-42.

Molz, R. and Farashahi, M. Invited Guest Editors, (2011). International Studies of Management andOrganization, themed issues From Dilemma toTheory to Research Agenda: Doing Business in Developing and TransitionalCountries. Vol 41, No 1& 2.

Molz, R. and Farashahi, M. (2011) Prefaceto Doing Business in Emerging, Developing and Transitional Economies. International Studies of Management andOrganization, 41(1 and 2).

Farashahi, M. and Hafsi, T., (2009) Strategyof firms in an unstable institutional environment. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 26(4): 643-666.

Carney,M. and Farashahi, M. (2006), Transnational institutions in developing countries: thecase of Iranian civil aviation. Organization Studies, 27(1):53-77.

Hafsi,T. and Farashahi, M. (2005), Applicabilityof management theories to developing countries: A synthesis, Management International Review, 45(4):483-511.

Farashahi,M., T. Hafsi, and R. Molz (2005), Institutionalizednorms of conducting research and social realities: A research synthesis ofempirical works from 1983-2002, InternationalJournal of Management Reviews, 7(1): 1-24.

Farashahi, M. andMolz, R. (2004), A Framework for MultilevelOrganizational Analysis in Developing Countries. The InternationalJournal of Commerce and Management, 14(1): 59-78.

Book Chapters

Farashahi, M. and R. Molz. 2014. Thegrounding of strategy in economic and social logics: Reconciling local andglobal dynamics. in Encyclopédie de la Stratégie – Economica,361-372, Magnard-Vuibert: Paris.

Farashahi, M. and F. Muhammad. 2014. Strategyof SMEs in emerging economies: A dynamic approach based on local/globalconcerns, in Building businesses in emerging and developingcountries: challenges and opportunities, 175-189, Routledge Publishers: NewYork.

Muhammad, F. and M. Farashahi. 2014. StrategicEvolution: The Art of Effective Change in Prolifically Adaptive Organizations.in Encyclopédie de la Stratégie – Economica. 607-617, Magnard-Vuibert:Paris.

Marcotte C., Soussi S. A., Molz R., Farashahi M., Hafsi T., 2010. Strategy Implementation in Emerging Countries: ThreeTheoretical Approaches, in the MultinationalEnterprise in Developing Countries, 19-30, Routledge Publishers.

Ul-Haq S. and M. Farashahi, 2010. PoliticalStrategies of MNEs in Emerging Economies: A Theoretical Model, in the Multinational Enterprise in Developing Countries, 69-87, Routledge Publishers.

Jaeger Alfred, IlanAvrichir, Arif Butt, Mehdi Farashahi and Taieb Hafsi, 2008. Managerial Values in Developing Countries: GlobalConvergence or Local Divergence?, in Globalization:Realities, Challenges and Responses, SagePublication (pp. 259-271): New Delhi.


Participation activities

Refereed Conference Presentations

Tajeddin, M.; Farashahi, M. andEmami, A. (2019) The Importance of Strategic Ambidexterity and Networking inInternationalization of High-Tech SMEs: An Open Innovation Perspective. Presentedat the Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, St.Catharines Ontario, Canada.
 
Azodideylami, B. and Farashahi, M.(2019) Responding to Institutional Complexities in New Emerging Markets ThroughDynamic Capabilities. Presented at the Administrative Science Association ofCanada Conference, St. Catharines Ontario, Canada.


Farashahi, M. (2017) Chairing a Symposium on “Internationalization of SMEs: Challenges and Complexities” with presentations by M. Farashahi (Concordia University), Shaker A. Zahra (Professor & Department Chair, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota), Hamid Etemad (Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Entrepreneurship, McGill University) and Christian Keen (HEC Montréal) at Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Montreal, Canada

Farashahi, M. and Tajeddin, M. (2016) Internationalization and Performance of SMEs: The role of managerial ties and entrepreneurial orientation. Presented at the Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Edmonton, Canada

Kaur Virk, R.R. and Farashahi, M. (2015) Structural embeddedness and multi-partner alliance performance with. Presentation at the 4th Asian Management Research and Case Conference (AMRC), Penang, Malaysia.

Farashahi, M. (2014) Chairing Panel Session on “Internationalization of SMEs in Emerging/Developing Countries” with presentations by M. Farashahi, Igor Filatotchev (City University London), Wade Danis (U. of Victoria), Jane Lu Wenzhen (U. of Melbourne) and Elie Chrysostome (S.U. of New York) at the Academy of International Business Conference, Vancouver, Canada.

Chikhouni, A. and Farashahi, M. (2014). Resource explanation for the variation in inter-organizational networks among countries, Presentation at the Academy of International Business Conference, Vancouver, Canada.

Farashahi, M. and Tajeddin, M. (2014). Negative growth and entrepreneurship approach: Internationalization and performance of SMEs, Presentation at the Academy of International Business Conference, Vancouver, Canada.

Farashahi, M. (2013) Chairing Professional Development Workshop on “Institutional Changes Unfolding: The Case of Uprising Islamic Societies” at the Academy of Management Conference, Boston, U.S.A. with presentations by scholars such as Soumaya Ben Letaifa (ESG-UQAM), Said Elbanna (United Arab Emirates University), Anas A. Al Bakri (Qatar University) and Wissam Al-Hussaini, American U. of Beirut.

Tajeddin M. and Farashahi M. (2013). Internationalization of High-Tech Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Open Innovation Perspective. Presentation at New the Academy of International Business Conference, Istanbul, Turkey

Farashahi, M. (2012) Presenter and panelist in the session on “Educational/Academic: How educational programs and international students exchange can impact or enhance trade and economic development” at New Hampshire – Canada Trade Council’s economic Development Forum.

Farashahi, M. (2012) Chairing Professional Development Workshop on “Transforming Organizations and Management in Islamic Societies” (with presentations by scholars such as Shaker Zahra, Taieb Hafsi, Arif Nazir Butt and Sondos Gamal Abdelgawad and coordination by Abdulrahman Chikhouni) at the Academy of Management Conference, Boston, U.S.A.

Farashahi, M. (2012) Chairing Panel Session on “Entrepreneurship in Islamic Societies” with presentations by M. Farashahi, Abbas Ali, Alaude Marcotte, and Soumaya Ben Letaifa and coordination by Abdulrahman Chikhouni at the Academy of International Business Management Conference, Boston, U.S.A.

Chikhouni, Abdulrahman & Farashahi, Mehdi (2012). The Institutional Effects on Inter-organizational Network Structure. Paper presented at the Academy of Management Conference, August 2012. Abdulrahman Chikhouni and Mehdi Farashahi.

Hafsi, T., Edwards, G., Farashahi, M., & Molz, R. (2011). Distance and MNC strategic decisions.  Presentation at Academy of International Business UK Conference (Edinburgh)

Chikhouni, Abdulrahman,  Edwards, Gwyneth & Farashahi, Mehdi. (2011)  East to West: The Implication of Institutional Distance for MNEs from Emerging Countries (EM MNEs). presnetation at Academy of Management, San Antonio, USA.

Chikhouni, Abdulrahman & Farashahi, Mehdi (2011) The Relationship Between Governance Structure of a Firm and its Joint Venture Strategy. Presentation at the ASAC, Montreal, Canada.

Chikhouni, Abdulrahman; Mehdi Farashahi; and Gwyneth Edwards (2010). Institutional Duality and Emerging Country MNEs. Presented at the Academy of International Business Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Amirkhany, Arash. and Mehdi Farashahi (2010) Formal and Informal Institutions and the Entry Strategies of Multinationals. Presented at the Academy of International Business Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Faiza Muhammad and Mehdi Farashahi (2009) In Accord or Discord? Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Theory in International Context presented at Academy of International Business Conference, San Diego.

Ashar Saleem and Mehdi Farashahi (2009) An institutional explanation of crossvergence. Presented at Academy of International Business Conference, San Diego.

Institutional distance and MNC strategy presented at the Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, U.S.A.  (August 2009). With T. Hafsi, G. Edwards, and R. Molz

Alfred Jaeger; Arif Butt; Ilan Avrichir; Mehdi Farashahi; and Taieb Hafsi (2007) Managerial Values in Developing Countries: Global Convergence or Local Divergence? Presented at Asia-Pacific Researchers in Organization Studies (APROS) International Colloquium, New Delhi, India

Rick Molz; Taieb Hafsi; Mehdi Farashahi; Sergio Janczak; Claude Marcotte; Sid Ahmed SOUSSI and others (2007), From Dilemma to Theory to Research Agenda: Doing Business in Developing and Transitional Countries, SPDW at the Academy of Management Conference, Philadelphia, U.S.A.

Taieb Hafsi; Luc Bernier; Mehdi Farashahi (2007) Institutional Entrepreneurs in the Public Sector: Towards a Contingency Theory, presented at the Academy of Management Conference, Philadelphia, U.S.A.  

Michael Carney and Mehdi Farashahi (2007) Institutional entrepreneurship and the corporatization of the global air navigation regime, presented at the European Group of Organizational Studies Annual Meeting, Vienna, Austria.

Luc Bernier; Medhi Farashani and Taied Hafsi (2007) What is institutional entrepreneurship about? Presented at the Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Ottawa, Canada

Farashahi, M. and Hafsi, T. (2006), Strategy of firms in an unstable institutional environment: The case of textile firms in a developing country, presented and discussed in the third Paper Development Workshop of the Journal of International Business Studies at the Academy of International Business Conference, Beijing, China.

Marcotte, C.; R. Molz; M. Farashahi; T. Hafsi; S. A. Soussi; and S. Janczak. (2006), A Multi-theoretical Conceptualization of Multinational Corporation Expansion in Developing Countries: A Model and Evidence. Paper presented at the European Group for Organization Studies Conference, Bergen,

Jaeger, A., Farashahi, M., Hafsi, T. (2006), International Business Symposium. at the
Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Banff, Alberta, Canada.

Janczak, S.; R. Molz; T. Hafsi; M. Farashahi; Marcotte, C. (2006), Business in Developing Countries: Interaction between Local Institutions and Global Economic Dynamics, SPDW (with presentations by scholars such as G. Hofstede, N. Adler, and T. Dacin) at the Academy of Management Conference, Atlanta, U.S.A.

Marcotte, C.; R. Molz; M. Farashahi; T. Hafsi; S. A. Soussi (2006), Strategy Implementation in Emerging Countries: Three Theoretical Approaches, Paper Development Workshop (International Management Division), the Academy of Management Conference, Atlanta, U.S.A.

Marcotte, C.; R. Molz; M. Farashahi; T. Hafsi; S. A. Soussi (2005) Les Stratégies Des Firmes Occidentales Dans Les Pays En Émergence: Trois Approches Théoriques, Presented at the Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Toronto, Canada.

Farashahi, M., T. Hafsi, and R. Molz (2005), How Global/Local and Formal/Informal Institutions Shape the Behavior of Organizations: A Research Synthesis of Empirical Works from 1983-2002, Presented at the Academy of International Business Conference, Quebec, Canada.

Marcotte, C.; S. A. Soussi; R. Molz; T. Hafsi; M. Farashahi; C. Ratiu (2005) " The
strategies of Western firms in emerging countries: Three theoretical approaches". The Congres de l'International Management Development Association, Grenade, Spain.

Hafsi, T. and Farashahi, M. (2004), “Applicability of management theories to developing
countries: A synthesis”, Proceeding of the British Academy of Management Annual Conference at St-Andrews, Scotland.

Farashahi, M. and Hafsi, T. (2003), “Strategic management in highly constrained
environments: The case of textile firms in Iran, presented at the Academy of Management Conference, Seattle, U.S.A.

Hafsi, T. and Farashahi, M. (2003), Institutional theory and economic development, presented at the XIIeme Conference de l'Association Internationale de Management Strategique, Tunis, Tunisia.

Hafsi, T. and Farashahi, M. (2002), Administration and Development: K. J. and H. Revisited twenty years later, Presented at the Academy of Management Conference, Denver, U.S.A.

Farashahi, M. & Molz, R. (2001), A Meso Framework To Assess Organizations and Managerial Activities In Developing Countries, Presented at the Hawaii Conference on Business, Honolulu.

Mary Watson, Selda Fikret, Pasa Bogazici, Mabel Miguel, Mehdi Farashahi & Alfred Jaeger (2000), Pluralism in Academic Roles: Using One Vehicle to Make Simultaneous Journeys . Best Symposium at the Academy of Management Conference.

Farashahi, M. (2000), Is there a theoretical framework for management systems in developing countries? Administrative Science Association of Canada Conference, Montreal, Canada.

Farashahi, M. (2000), Some Guidelines for Future Theoretical Frameworks of Management activities in Developing Countries, Proceeding of International Conference in Management Sciences, Tamkang University, Taiwan.

Farashahi, M. (1999), Management Systems in Developing Countries, Proceeding of Academy of Business and Administrative Science Conference, Barcelona, Spain.

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