Title: Individual learning effects on knowledge transfer in international joint ventures: an exploratory framework

Authors: Li Thuy Dao; Nancy K. Napier

Addresses: Department of Business and Management, International Business Centre, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 4, Aalborg 9220, Denmark ' College of Business and Economics, Boise State University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1600, USA

Abstract: This paper examines micro (individual-level)-aspects of knowledge transfer and learning in international joint ventures in an emerging economy context. Learning by expatriate and local managers appears far more complex, mutually dependent, and significant to the knowledge transfer process than suggested in the existing literature. Building upon conceptualisations of individual learning and cognitive-behavioural effects in an organisational context while drawing evidence from two cases of Danish-Vietnamese joint ventures, we propose a model of individual-level knowledge transfer and learning in IJVs. With this model, we expect to enhance our understanding of micro-foundations of learning in emerging economy joint ventures and to encourage future research that takes individual learning effects into consideration.

Keywords: behavioural learning; cognitive learning; emerging economies; expatriate managers; individual learning; international joint ventures; IJVs; knowledge transfer; local management; learning effects; Denmark; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSBA.2016.079386

International Journal of Strategic Business Alliances, 2016 Vol.5 No.2, pp.155 - 175

Received: 05 Feb 2016
Accepted: 05 Aug 2016
Published online: 27 Sep 2016 *

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