Trust, inter-partner conflicts, cultural distance, commitment and joint venture performance: an empirical analysis of international joint ventures in Turkey

Despite the increasing popularity of international joint ventures and strategic alliances, experiences and observations of businessmen and managers alike suggest that this type of organisation is not complication-free. These complications may cause some distinct disadvantages; such company marriages may even end up with divorce, if they are overlooked or ignored. This research is based on an in-depth study of manufacturing joint ventures with Turkish partners. This article discusses trust/forbearance, cultural distance, inter-partner conflicts, commitment, and their impact on joint venture performance. Through the path analysis, the paper offers a model as to the sequencing of the various component factors and puts them in a usable framework. Thus, the paper develops the notion that trust/forbearance is a key dimension for under standing the performance of international joint ventures and strategic alliances alike.