AN INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF LEARNING IN THE IJV CONTEXT: PARTNER LEARNING AND VENTURE LEARNING

This research presents an integrative model of learning in the context of international joint ventures(IJVs). Previous research has examined learning in the IJV setting from the perspective of partner firms only, but this research argues that learning in the IJV context should be examined from the perspectives of both partner firms and the JIV itself. We argue that there exist two separate learning processes in the IJV context:(1) partner learning(the learning of a partner firm through the IJV) and(2) venture learning(the learning of the IJV itself). We further argue that venture learning contributes to partner learning, since partner firms learn through their interaction with the IJV. Based on these two learning processes, we develop an integrative model of learning in the IJV context, which is comprised of four subsections: learning antecedents, learning systems' sophistication, learning level, and learning outcomes. Various propositions are developed in this paper.