Transborder data flows usage by U.S. subsidiaries in Mexico

Transborder data flows (TDF) have been shown to be vital to multinational corporations (MNC) in managing the complex information flows required for control and implementation of worldwide strategy. Results of a survey of TDF activity on a regional rather than a global level of analysis are reported from the viewpoint of the US MNC subsidiaries overseas rather than from a headquarter's driven analysis. In addition to a breakdown by manufacturing and service industries, usage of TDF by functional area within the region is reported along with the climate of governmental regulation for TDF in the emerging economies of Mexico and Hispanic South America. The hypothesis that TDF trends for MNCs on a regional level mirror those of a headquarters or global perspective. It is concluded that there is no significant difference between the 9 Latin American nations in terms of TDF vitality, functional activity and regulatory climate. Preliminary results from the Latin American region tend to parallel global and headquarters-related studies in corporate TDF.