Prior studies are vague regarding determinants of criteria for selecting “complementary” partners for international joint ventures (IJVs). This paper first distinguishes task and partner-related dimensions of selection criteria. The paper then argues that relative importance of task-related selection criteria is determined by the strategic context of the proposed IJV and the parent firm, specifically the critical success factors of the venture's competitive environment and the parent's static and dynamic position vis-a-vis these factors.

Authors and Affiliations

1. University of Western Ontario,

   J. Michael Geringer

^*J. Michael Geringer (Ph.D., University of Washington) is Assistant Professor of Policy at The University of Western Ontario. Besides theJournal of International Business Studies, his publications have appeared in journals such as theColumbia Journal of World Business, Management International Review, Business Quarterly, JAI Press'International Human Resource Management annual, and theStrategic Management Journal. His research interests include formation and management of international alliances, MNE diversification strategies, human resource strategies, and technology management.

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