Abstract
Research in the past has investigated the effects of cultural differences on forming international strategic alliances (ISA). Yet, some areas linking culture and ISA have been neglected or relatively under-researched. Literature shows that the primary focus of previously conducted ISA research was on equity alliances and somehow non-equity alliances were under-researched or neglected. In addition, most of this research extensively involved specific geographical areas, however, little attention has been given so far to the Middle East, especially the Arab region. Even among the few literatures available on ISAs located in the Arab region, over-generalisation of culture took place, despite the presence of considerable demographic and cultural variation within the region. Finally, researchers have also found that the body of knowledge in the area lacks Arab research indigenisation, i.e., hardy any research conducted by Arab researchers on their own culture and its impact on ISAs. Most of the research has been done by non-Arab researchers. In this regard, there is a call for the Arab researchers to produce more research on this area. This paper explores under-researched areas in the extant literature which include sub-cultural variations across geographical locations and demographic segments and its effects on non-equity ISAs. The Arab culture and its impact on ISAs are looked at as well from an indigenous perspective. Finally, a tentative framework is proposed showing the key under-researched areas. The paper has implications for MNCs, their host as well as home-country governments and future research.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
NATIONAL CULTURE, ARAB CULTURE, ISAs, CULTURAL VARIATIONS, INDIGENISATION
