Managing international joint venture relationships - A longitudinal perspective

The purpose of the study is to describe and analyse the formation and development of international joint venture processes and relationships between the partners over time. Moreover, the study analyzes how far foreign partners have been successful in developing new contacts and in expanding their activities in local markets. We have carried out two case studies on joint ventures between Swedish and Indian partners. A number of in-depth interviews over a longer period of time are undertaken in collecting data. One major finding is that the more the partners learn about each other the more the uncertainties decrease, and a stronger relationship is developed. Another finding suggests that development of existing and new relationships causes more commitment of resources in the joint venture, and the local market and the companies involved are able to expand their business activities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights resented