Unravelling complex organisational structures among mobile operators

摘要

Purpose - The purpose is to map the corporate structure of Vodafone Group. Through this, the paper will demonstrate the complexity of the company and argue for improved data availability to facilitate a better understanding of the mobile industry. Design/methodology/approach - The paper begins by briefly recounting some relevant literature before detailing the data sources used in the analysis of Vodafone Group. A structure of Vodafone Group, highlighting the use of holding companies, is then presented, after which a series of national case studies are detailed. The case studies are used to shed light on a series of topics that are subsequently discussed. Findings - The paper highlights the organisational complexity of Vodafone Group. There are many more companies within the Vodafone Group than expected. These companies are held through a series of holding companies, some of which are located in tax havens. Research limitations/implications - Assembling the data highlighted how little information is readily available in the public domain regarding the structure of telecommunications companies. Practical implications - There is a need for more data regarding the structure of mobile operators to be available in the public domain, so that a better appraisal of their actions by investors, regulators and governments can be made. Social implications - Understanding the structure of mobile operators should enable them to be better regulated and appropriately taxed. Originality/value - No other paper has examined in detail the organisational structure of Vodafone Group.