{"title":"Complexity offering opportunity: Mutual learning between Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars in the post-acquisition process","authors":"Anna Jonsson, Jan-Erik Vahlne","doi":"10.1002/gsj.1424","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div>\n \n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Research Summary</h3>\n \n <p>While much of the literature on complex global environments builds on studies of multinationals from mature markets, little is known about how firms from emerging markets understand and cope with complexity. This paper builds on a longitudinal case study of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) in the post-acquisition process of Volvo Car Group (VCG) and its efforts to learn how to learn in order to catch up with the internationalization process as means for developing capabilities and compete in the global automotive industry. Building on the Uppsala model, we contribute with insights how an emerging market multinational understands complexity and organize the post-acquisition process to explicitly emphasize the importance of mutual learning to develop and exploit opportunities to improve the business.</p>\n </section>\n \n <section>\n \n <h3> Managerial Summary</h3>\n \n <p>A key finding is that ZGH does <i>not</i> understand complexity only as a risk that should be coped with, managed and controlled—following the western idea of risk management—but also as an opportunity for learning. While the importance of knowledge management and organizational learning is often emphasized as a means to achieve competitive advantage, it is seldom as easily managed in practice. Building on insights from ZGH we illustrate that to enable knowledge development and mutual learning, top-management from the acquiring firm needs to emphasize learning and trust the acquired firm rather than controlling it. It is equally important that the acquired firm trust the intentions of the new owner and reflect on the interest in learning—not least to improve and remain valuable.</p>\n </section>\n </div>","PeriodicalId":47563,"journal":{"name":"Global Strategy Journal","volume":"13 3","pages":"700-731"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7000,"publicationDate":"2021-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gsj.1424","citationCount":"5","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Global Strategy Journal","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gsj.1424","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 5
Abstract
Research Summary
While much of the literature on complex global environments builds on studies of multinationals from mature markets, little is known about how firms from emerging markets understand and cope with complexity. This paper builds on a longitudinal case study of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH) in the post-acquisition process of Volvo Car Group (VCG) and its efforts to learn how to learn in order to catch up with the internationalization process as means for developing capabilities and compete in the global automotive industry. Building on the Uppsala model, we contribute with insights how an emerging market multinational understands complexity and organize the post-acquisition process to explicitly emphasize the importance of mutual learning to develop and exploit opportunities to improve the business.
Managerial Summary
A key finding is that ZGH does not understand complexity only as a risk that should be coped with, managed and controlled—following the western idea of risk management—but also as an opportunity for learning. While the importance of knowledge management and organizational learning is often emphasized as a means to achieve competitive advantage, it is seldom as easily managed in practice. Building on insights from ZGH we illustrate that to enable knowledge development and mutual learning, top-management from the acquiring firm needs to emphasize learning and trust the acquired firm rather than controlling it. It is equally important that the acquired firm trust the intentions of the new owner and reflect on the interest in learning—not least to improve and remain valuable.
期刊介绍:
The Global Strategy Journal is a premier platform dedicated to publishing highly influential managerially-oriented global strategy research worldwide. Covering themes such as international and global strategy, assembling the global enterprise, and strategic management, GSJ plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of global business dynamics.