International joint ventures and the exchange of skill sets across culturally different societies: Some evidence from Indo-Australian joint ventures

Networking through international joint ventures (IJVs) is considered to be an important mechanism of exchanging skill sets across culturally different societies. IJVs could be used as an internationalisation entry mode by foreign companies to access, and participate in, the different and changing cultural environments of the host country and the host organisations through direct interactions with host partners creating opportunities for such networking activities. In a qualitative study involving nine Australian-Indian IJVs in India, this paper elaborates on a selection of issues relevant to inter-firm linkages and learning. The study has found IJVs as an effective networking tool and inter-partner learning plays an important role in motivating a firm to form IJVs which is also considered a key success factor.