Cooperation and conflict in international joint venture relationship

This article reports the results of an empirical study focusing on the relationship between the relative dependence asymmetry of partners in a joint venture, the level and intensity of conflict between the partners, the level of trust and norms of exchange between the partners, and the performance of the joint venture. Having interviewed several executives and administrating a survey, we found evidence that the level of conflict is, to a large extent, explained by the level of trust and norms of exchange between the partners. The performance of the joint venture is influenced by the norms of exchange. This indicates that companies should concentrate on trust and the norms of exchange with the partner to enhance the joint venture performance.