ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the importance of learning among joint venture partners in Russian-foreign joint ventures. It consists of four blocks, including: inability to learn; resistance to learn; imitation; and learning. Inability to change implies that the venture partner is unable to change its past behavioral patterns. As learning is suggested to be the underlying concept to avoid partner conflicts and finally improve the joint venture performance, this should be that form of learning the joint venture managers should aim at. The chapter analyzes the Finnish managers' perceptions of the factors which prohibit learning in a joint venture. The Finnish partners have shown very little resistance to learn both from their Russian partners and from the external environment. In order to improve the motivation among the Russian managers, the Finnish partners have used higher result related rewards such as higher salary, business trips to other countries, healthcare services, and bonuses, etc.
