Title: East-West ventures in Belarus

Authors: Jack Baranson

Addresses: 1293 Sandhurst Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA

Abstract: A broad spectrum of Eastern European enterprises are interested in acquiring industrial technology from Western companies through licensed manufacturing or joint ventures. The risk and uncertainties of entering into business partnerships in Eastern European economies pose added problems in terms of operational logistics and financial returns. There are marked differences between the mindsets and practices of managers nurtured under centrally planned economies and business management operating in a market driven environment. Much can be learned from case studies that examine the factors that contributed to the success or failure of East-West business partnerships. Eastern European enterprises seeking these partnerships need to develop a deeper understanding of the business objectives and operational requirements of market-driven Western companies. The paper presents profiles of efforts to form business ventures with Western companies in Belarus. They indicate the type of case materials that should be included in courses dealing with business strategies with Western partners.

Keywords: Belarus case materials; East-West joint ventures; differences in management cultures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2001.002931

International Journal of Technology Management, 2001 Vol.21 No.5/6, pp.523-528

Published online: 08 Jul 2003 *

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