Critical Success Factors for Effective Knowledge Sharing in Chinese Joint Ventures

Effective knowledge sharing is vital to the success of international joint ventures. To ensure that organizational knowledge in a joint venture can be smoothly communicated and exchanged between its employees in a multiculture environment, the impact of culture on knowledge sharing needs to be well understood. This paper investigates the impact of culture on knowledge sharing in Chinese joint ventures. Using a multi-case study approach, this paper shows that effective communication, shared mindsets, training and leadership are the critical success factors for effective knowledge sharing in Chinese joint ventures. Such findings facilitate developing specific organizational culture that supports knowledge sharing and can lead to better organizational performance in the increasingly globalized economy.