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Knowledge Search in International Cooperative Ventures

Author

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  • Oded Shenkar

    (Ford Motor Company Designated Professor of Global Business Management, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, 1775 College Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 and Faculty of Management, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel)

  • Jiatao Li

    (Hang Lung Center for Organizational Research, Department of Management of Organizations, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong)

Abstract

By taking a learning approach to international cooperative ventures, this study introduces absorptive capacity as a principle governing the relationship between knowledge possession and knowledge search among prospective partners. Two alternative hypotheses are juxtaposed: The first is that firms will seek additional knowledge in the same area in which they already have a knowledge base; the second is that firms will seek knowledge in a complementary area. Data from 90 partner-seeking firms in China show that the possession of complementary knowledge is a prerequisite for knowledge search. Furthermore, in line with the learning perspective, the equity joint venture is the vehicle of choice for firms seeking transfer of tacit, embedded knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Oded Shenkar & Jiatao Li, 1999. "Knowledge Search in International Cooperative Ventures," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(2), pages 134-143, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:10:y:1999:i:2:p:134-143
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.10.2.134
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    References listed on IDEAS

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