Value Creation in Partnerships : in Emerging Markets

In a global world with an ever-changing environment, expansions of partnerships have been suggested in order to stay competitive. A fundamental goal of partnerships has shown to be value creation. Previous research has focused on value creation in partnerships mainly in developed markets. This study helps to address the gap of value creation in partnerships in emerging markets, by showing how value is created in markets characterized by a complex environment. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to explore how organizations can create value through their partnerships in emerging markets. To begin with, a literature review was conducted. Following by a case study on partnerships in emerging markets in order to explore value creation in these partnerships. Data was collected using seven semi-structured interviews at four different organizations. The researchers have in this study identified different aspects important to create value in partnerships at different stages in emerging markets. A model with three stages have been developed including: starting the partnership, throughout the duration of partnership, and shared value. Identifying and declaring these stages is in itself a contribution to academia, as well as practitioners, since these stages have not been noted in earlier literature