Citation:
Zhang Lihong and Keith Goffin, Joint Venture Manufacturing in China : an Exploratory Investigation, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 1999, Vol 19, issue 5-6, 474-490
Abstract:
International joint venture (IJV) manufacturing is important for both the
Chinese economy and a large number of foreign investors. A review of the
literature from both Western and Chinese researchers showed that although the
purpose and advantages of IJV manufacturing in China are known, a vital aspect –
operations management – has largely been ignored. Therefore, exploratory
interviews with managers at six companies were conducted to investigate the
operations management issues faced by IJV manufacturers in China. Four main
problems were identified: the difficulty with recruiting and training suitable
employees; all aspects of supplier management; problems with achieving high-
quality output; and achieving an effective IJV business culture. The results
have implications not only for researchers, in that they indicate where more
research is necessary, but also for practitioners, since they identify the areas
where IJV manufacturers are most likely to encounter problems in Ch