• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.134-152
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• 2021

Purpose - Our study aimed to examine the roles of conflict management in maintaining a sustainable good relationship between joint venture (JV) partners. Although the concepts of relational capital, mutual commitment, and cultural adaptation have been neglected in previous research on interorganizational relationships, we treated them as inter-partner fit mechanism capabilities of affecting the level of satisfaction in a relationship with a JV partner. Design/methodology - In order to test hypotheses, we sent a questionnaire to Japanese firms operating JVs in South Korea and asked whether their levels of satisfaction with their JV partners increase when conflict management techniques are used to reduce the conflicts that usually arise between partners. Findings - The results of our study suggested that it is important for firms participating in a JV to construct and reinforce an inter-partner fit mechanism that enables them to maintain a favorable partnership. In addition, we suggested that relational capital, cultural adaptation, and mutual commitment influence conflict reduction and the level of satisfaction experienced in JVs. Moreover, the results showed that conflict management has a significant effect on developing soild partnerships and performance in JV situations. Originality/value - We advanced a new paradigm about conflict management and suggested methods of research propositions that are well grounded in the latest findings in conflict management research pertaining to JVs.