What matters to managerial knowledge acquisition in international joint ventures? High knowledge acquirers versus low knowledge acquirers

Although there is a general agreement amongst scholars that international joint venture (IJV) is a vehicle to acquire technology and knowledge from foreign parents, key factors differentiating high knowledge acquirers from low knowledge acquirers are not yet conclusive. For the purpose of this study, the samples are divided into two groups based on the extent of knowledge acquisition using cluster analysis. Then the two groups are examined to identify the main factors classifying the groups by using logistic regression. This study finds that managerial knowledge that has more sticky characteristics than technology is acquirable know-how. It also shows that trust between parents, international experience of IJV employees, and foreign parent’s support in various managerial functions will considerably increase the extent of knowledge acquisition for IJVs. In conclusion, based on the findings from this study, this paper offers suggestions to IJVs and multinational enterprises investing in Korea.