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Reverse and conventional knowledge transfers in international joint ventures

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  • Park, Chansoo
  • Vertinsky, Ilan

Abstract

We develop and test a theoretical model to examine the dynamics of knowledge transfers from foreign parent firms to their IJVs (conventional transfers) and knowledge transfers from IJVs to their foreign parent firms (reverse knowledge transfers). We estimated a structural equation model using survey data from 199 Korean IJVs. Findings reveal the symbiotic relationships between reverse and conventional knowledge. The transfer of conventional knowledge presents opportunities for interactions between employees of the IJV and the foreign parent firm, creating a platform for bi-directional tacit knowledge flows and a basis for informal mutual learning. Other findings include: a positive impact of shared vision on reverse knowledge that is fully mediated by conventional knowledge transfer; a negative relationship between IJV performance and reverse knowledge flows; and confirmation of prior studies' findings that IJVs' learning intentions and capability to absorb knowledge positively affect conventional knowledge transfers.

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  • Park, Chansoo & Vertinsky, Ilan, 2016. "Reverse and conventional knowledge transfers in international joint ventures," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(8), pages 2821-2829.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:69:y:2016:i:8:p:2821-2829
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.12.051
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    Cited by:

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    4. Marius G. Gehrisch & Stefan Süß, 2023. "Organizational behavior in international strategic alliances and the relation to performance – a literature review and avenues for future research," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(3), pages 1045-1107, September.
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    6. Vlajčić, Davor & Caputo, Andrea & Marzi, Giacomo & Dabić, Marina, 2019. "Expatriates managers’ cultural intelligence as promoter of knowledge transfer in multinational companies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 367-377.
    7. Nguyen, Huu Le & Larimo, Jorma & Wang, Yi, 2019. "Control, innovation and international joint venture performance: The moderating role of internal and external environments," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(6), pages 1-1.
    8. Wang, Na & Hua, Ying & Wu, Guoying & Zhao, Chunxia & Wang, Yonggui, 2019. "Reverse transfer of innovation and subsidiary power: A moderated mediation model," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 328-337.
    9. Kong, Lingshuang & Ciabuschi, Francesco & Martín Martín, Oscar, 2018. "Expatriate managers' relationships and reverse knowledge transfer within emerging market MNCs: The mediating role of subsidiary willingness," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 216-229.
    10. Park, Chansoo & Ghauri, Pervez N. & Lee, Jeoung Yul & Golmohammadi, Ismael, 2022. "Unveiling the black box of IJV innovativeness: The role of explicit and tacit knowledge transfer," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
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