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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The influence of cross cultural training on the learning process within international alliances

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Masteroppgave i økonomi og administrasjon - Universitetet i Agder 2010 This study will give insight on how the Cross-cultural training influences the learning process within the International Joint Ventures. To realize the objective of this research the main question was answered i.e given national cultural differences, how the cross cultural training influence the learning process within IJVs. Both theoretical and empirical research was carried out. A detailed theoretical background was introduced contacting relevant theories about the learning, cultures, strategic alliances, joint ventures, distinction between national and organizational cul- tures and Hofstede cultural dimensions were presented. A relation between the Cross cultural Training (CCT) and learning determinants i.e trust and openness was provided. By the help of literature review four prepositions were formulated describing the relation between the CCT, learning and performance of the Joint Venture through a conceptual model. The present study is the combination of case study and conducting interviews with five companies to provide and insight on the relationship between the cross-cultural training and the learning process within joint ventures i.e Shell and others. The data for case study and other five interviewed companies provide primary conclusion and then compare with each other for the final conclusion and answering the propositions. The final conclusion of this research has shown that Cross-cultural training influence on the learning process within IJV. However these influences are limited to the openness and not apply to the trust among them. In additional the influence of the Cross-Cultural training on improving the performance of the IJV was not determinant. Keywords: Culture, Cultural distance, Cross-cultural training, Joint Venture, Learning, Learning, Openness, Trust, Integration, Royal Dutch Shell.