Multiparty cooperation and performance in international equity joint ventures

Previous studies have examined the relationship between cooperation and performance in international equity joint ventures (EJVs), mostly at the partner level. This study revisits the issue at multiple levels, and considers vertical and horizontal cooperation among the foreign partners, the local partner, and the venture management team. The study also examines how goal incongruence between partners and market uncertainty affect the tripartite relationships between cooperation and performance. The test results show a strong positive impact of cooperation between partners on performance as perceived both by the partners and by the venture management team. One partner's cooperation with the venture management team is perceived favorably by that party but not necessarily by the other party unless both partners share the same goal. Market uncertainty requires stronger cooperation at all levels to improve performance in EJVs. Journal of International Business Studies (2004) 35, 142–160. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400072