Hi there I would like an overview of the following topic: 

Multinational corporations (MNC's) i.e. What they are, how they
operate. The positive aspects, the negative aspects. Their effects on
employment and their general characteristics and effect on global
trade.

Hello,

Something alone these lines, maybe:

http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/article.php?id=59

http://www.acton.org/publicat/randl/article.php?id=364

http://www.ctj.org/hid_ent/part-2/part2-3.htm

Sorry if this is not what you are looking for, I don't have much
knowledge on this subject myself, but these articles seems to cover
the things you brought up.

-Nate

Hi Nate, thanks for your comment. Along those lines would be good! I
was also looking for the role they play in FDI as well.

Thanks for your help.

Dan

There are several very good books on the subject. One was written by a
professor, Dr. Usha Haley, "Multinational corporations in political
environments: Ethics, values and strategies." It has a good review of
all the theories, social, political, environmental issues, etc. You
can pick it up for about $40 new (on amazon.com) or half the price
old.