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

Leigh Anne Liu, Wendi L Adair and Daniel C Bello
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Leigh Anne Liu: Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
Wendi L Adair: Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Daniel C Bello: Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA

Journal of International Business Studies, 2015, vol. 46, issue 7, 830-849

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2015
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