ABSTRACT
Learning and adjustment is necessary in any cooperative venture. When joint ventures take place across national borders, especially when they take place between societies with differing cultures, political systems and levels of economic development, the degree of mutual learning and adjustment needed will be all the greater. Just how the adjustment is made will depend on a variety of factors. Child (1994: 277-79) suggests that two in particular deserve attention. The first is the power of the partners relative to one another. The second is the attractiveness of the other’s management style and of the benefits it can bring to the joint venture. The interaction of the two is illustrated in Figure 7.1. In considering their impact, it should be kept in mind that relative power and attractiveness are not static and that therefore modes of adaptation are likely to change over time and according to the issue at stake.
