Technological knowledge transfer from foreign partners to Uganda’s international joint ventures
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Date
2006
Authors
Muhenda, Mary Basaasa
Journal Title
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Abstract
knowledge transfer from foreign partners to IJV in Uganda’s manufacturing
sector. It also examines whether the effect of these factors is contingent on IJV
manufacturing experience. The focus on IJV is crucial given that the Government
encourages local firms to form joint partnerships with foreign firms as a way of
taping into external technological bases. The goal is to acquire and adopt new
knowledge to foster industrialization upon which the country will depend for its
economic growth and for survival in the global village. The study; cross sectional
in nature conducted a census using a self-administered questionnaire in addition
to key informant interviews. Each IJV was represented by a CEO as respondent
giving a total of 103 respondents. Factor and reliability analysis, multiple and
hierarchical regression were the various statistical analysis carried out using
SPSS. The findings of this study confirm a fairly low incidence of transfer of
technological knowledge from foreign partners to IJV and also indicate that
learning and development and structural attachment have a positive significant
effect on the extent of transfer of technological knowledge. The study also
revealed that the effect of communication behavior, structural attachment and
creativity and flexibility on transfer extent is contingent on IJV manufacturing
experience. The findings are in line with Blau’s (1964) social exchange theory
which recognizes the importance of investing in irrecoverable resources in a
relationship to create ties that set an expectation of reciprocity. The findings are
also in line with the networks theory which posits that linkages to supplement
existing resources are unavoidable in the era of globalization. However the study
also revealed that there are a number of areas where interventions can be
instituted in order to realize enhanced knowledge transfer. One major implication
arising from the findings is that clear and unambiguous provisions defining and
regulating relationships at the inception of joint partnerships ought to be adopted.
This will provide a framework for nurturing close trusting relationships that
facilitate mutual exchange of critical resources. It is also imperative for Uganda
Government to review existing knowledge transfer strategies by offering more
support to learning and development and building close ties between IJV and
foreign partners. Future research could be directed to conducting a longitudinal
study to investigate the effects of technical and organizational infrastructure
factors on the extent of transfer of knowledge. Other types of knowledge
preferably in service industries could also be investigated since this study only
investigated technological knowledge in the manufacturing sector.
Description
PhD
Keywords
Management , Technological knowledge , Manufacturing industries