Knowledge Search in International Cooperative Ventures

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Business School Research Paper

Organization Science, Vol. 10, No. 2, March-April 1999

12 Pages Posted: 15 Aug 2007

See all articles by Oded Shenkar

Oded Shenkar

Ohio State University (OSU) - Human Resource Research

Jiatao Li

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization

Abstract

By taking a learning approach to international cooperative ventures, this study introduces absorptive capacity as a principle governing the relationship between knowledge possession and knowledge search among prospective partners. Two alternative hypotheses are juxtaposed: The first is that firms will seek additional knowledge in the same area in which they already have a knowledge base; the second is that firms will seek knowledge in a complementary area. Data from 90 partner-seeking firms in China show that the possession of complementary knowledge is a prerequisite for knowledge search. Furthermore, in line with the learning perspective, the equity joint venture is the vehicle of choice for firms seeking transfer of tacit, embedded knowledge.

Keywords: Knowledge Search, Absorptive Capacity, International Cooperative Ventures, Knowledge Transfer Vehicles

Suggested Citation

Shenkar, Oded and Li, Jiatao, Knowledge Search in International Cooperative Ventures. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Business School Research Paper, Organization Science, Vol. 10, No. 2, March-April 1999, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1007168

Oded Shenkar (Contact Author)

Ohio State University (OSU) - Human Resource Research ( email )

700 Fisher Hall
2100 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1144
United States

Jiatao Li

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) - Department of Management & Organization ( email )

5473
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon
Hong Kong, PRC
852-2358 7757 (Phone)

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