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

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.