An Empirical Investigation of the Perceptions and Attitudes of Employees toward Knowledge Sharing in Chinese Joint Ventures

摘要

Effective knowledge sharing is of tremendous importance to the success of international joint ventures. To ensure that organizational knowledge in joint ventures can be smoothly exchanged between employees in a multi-culture environment, the perceptions and attitudes of employees in a joint venture toward knowledge sharing need to be well understood. This paper presents an investigation of the perceptions and attitudes of employees toward knowledge sharing in Chinese joint ventures. Using a quantitative survey approach, the paper shows that the perceptions and attitudes of employees toward knowledge sharing are more likely to be affected by the organizational culture rather than the national culture in Chinese joint ventures. Several critical factors have been identified for developing a knowledge sharing culture in joint ventures including the adoption of appropriate technology, the support of top management, and the commitment of an organization.