The impact of information communication technologies on the performance of international joint ventures in relation to the communication and culture dynamics

This study endeavoured to investigate the effects of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the performance of International Joint Ventures (IJVs) by focusing on specific variables known to affect performance i. e. culture (national and corporate) and communication. Given the increasing use of ICTs in business processes this thesis focused on whether the utilisation of ICTs affected the communication and cultural dynamics within IJVs and whether any correlating effect on IJV performance occurred. Three research questions were developed, firstly, how ICTs impacted on communication between IN partners, secondly, how ICTs affected the cultural diversity that exists between partners and thirdly, if the use of ICTs in communication channels had any subsequent effect on IN performance. Research was undertaken using the multiple embedded case study approach allowing data to be linked to theory in an inductive and deductive process. The contextual setting was the European Telecommunications sector since it is a geographical area with an inherent cultural diversity and an industry with a significant number of IJVs. The sample selected focused on five IJVs created between UK and other EU partners during the time period 1995 to 1997. Data was collected primarily through the use of semi-structuredin terviews with directors of eachp arent company. Within and cross case analysis of the results enabled common themes and new ideas to emerge, indicating that the use of ICTs does affect communication channels and is dependent upon the importance of the interaction. Cultural diversity that exists between IJV partners is also affected but at a superficial level, however, results revealed that the use of ICTs does not enhance the performance of IJVs. Results also highlight unexpected findings, that of, two new variables affecting IJV performance which are a unique corporate culture and a common vision for the IJV.