Fit, misfit, and beyond fit: Relational metaphors and semantic fit in international joint ventures

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Liu, Leigh Anne; Adair, Wendi L.; Bello, Daniel C.
• 署名单位: University System of Georgia; Georgia State University; University of Waterloo
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2506
• DOI: 10.1057/jibs.2015.13
• 发表日期: 2015
• 页码: 830-849
• 关键词: language (language design; silent language; translation); semantic fit; METAPHOR; Alliances and joint ventures; venture management and performance

摘要

We propose that metaphorical descriptions of newly formed international joint ventures (IJVs) contain important, diagnostic information regarding the way these cross-border alliances are managed and perform. In three studies, we examine how relational metaphors reflect semantic fit, or the IJV partners' cognitive match of managerial schemas and their capability to recontextualize communications regarding alliance operations. We find IJV partners that share relational metaphors achieve superior outcomes, reflecting aligned managerial approaches to controlling shared resources and joint activities. Further, formal ownership as equity share moderates the impact managerial schemas implied by metaphors have on subjective, time-lagged performance of IJVs. Our analysis of metaphorical language not only reveals the way newly formed IJVs are managed, but also highlights performance variations associated with complex patterns of IJV controls.