The Experience of Financial Managers in Investment Decision-Making in Multinational Companies: A Phenomenological Study on Challenges and Strategies in Managing Market Volatility and Economic Risks

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Ismaulina Ismaulina

Abstract

Corporate finance, particularly in multinational companies, has been extensively studied in terms of investment decision-making, with a growing interest in the impact of market uncertainty. However, the subjective experiences of financial managers in navigating these challenges remain underexplored. Despite the growing body of research on investment strategies, the complex, personal decision-making processes in uncertain global markets have yet to be fully understood. This study addresses this gap by employing a phenomenological approach to explore how financial managers experience and make decisions in the context of market volatility.


Through in-depth interviews with senior financial managers in multinational corporations, the study identifies key themes related to risk perception, decision-making strategies, and the role of intuition versus data in investment choices. Quantitative analysis of the frequency and significance of specific decision-making strategies revealed that managers prioritize data-driven approaches (70% of decisions cited) but often integrate intuition for high-stakes scenarios (30%). Additionally, qualitative insights highlighted a pattern of balancing short-term market pressures with long-term organizational goals, particularly in high-volatility markets. Findings suggest that managers rely heavily on both quantitative data and intuitive judgment to mitigate risks and make strategic decisions in uncertain environments. These insights offer a deeper understanding of the complex nature of decision-making under uncertainty.


The implications of this study highlight the importance of incorporating both empirical data and human experience in decision-making frameworks for corporate finance. Future research could further explore how these experiences translate into broader organizational practices.

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