| dc.description.abstract | In recent years, Brazilian companies internationalization process has been intensified, with prominence to foreign direct investment growth. As a consequence, it is observed the arising of Brazilian companies which control operations in other countries. This thesis is looking for explanations to the recent growth in foreign direct investment, focusing on the three largest Brazilian multinationals: Petrobras, Gerdau and Vale do Rio Doce. As theoretical basis, Hymer (1960) and Dunning (1993, 2000, 2001) studies were adopted. The main objective of this thesis is to analyze if the foreign direct investment of large Brazilian multinationals can be understood as a function of the ownership of specific advantages by these companies, which enable them to operate with advantage in foreign countries. To achieve this goal, the research adopts a multiple cases study approach. Interviews with executives of the three companies were conducted, and secondary data were collected. The study determines the foreign direct invest | en |
