Firm resources and joint ventures: what determines zero-sum versus positive-sum outcomes?

In this study, we are concerned with the resources that are brought to joint ventures, and whether or not the way in which those resources are combined can improve parent-firm performance. We are also interested in whether or not the exposure of valuable resources through the permeable membrane of the joint venture can have an adverse effect on performance. These questions are explored using a sample of 74 domestic, dyadic joint ventures, and our findings suggest that the strategy can have zero-sum and positive-sum outcomes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.