Portrait of an Odd-Eyed Cat: Cultural Crossing as a Trademark for a Dutch-Thai Strategic Alliance

Kwanjai, Nantawan Noi and den Hertog, Friso (2008). Portrait of an Odd-Eyed Cat: Cultural Crossing as a Trademark for a Dutch-Thai Strategic Alliance. UNU-MERIT.

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  • Sub-type Working paper
    Author Kwanjai, Nantawan Noi
    den Hertog, Friso
    Title Portrait of an Odd-Eyed Cat: Cultural Crossing as a Trademark for a Dutch-Thai Strategic Alliance
    Publication Date 2008
    Place of Publication Maastricht, NL
    Publisher UNU-MERIT
    Pages 39
    Abstract This chapter attempts a step forward in seeking a richer understanding of the dynamics of strategic alliances, specifically when viewed from a cross-cultural perspective. We report selected materials from a study designed to build a theory of culture and learning in organizations based on observations of and open-ended interviews with Dutch and Thai employees working for four selected Dutch firms in Thailand. Here we present one of those cases, a Dutch-Thai joint venture that thrived by weaving together the many intricate cultural webs to achieve a unique pattern of partnership which, metaphorically speaking, became its indispensible trademark. The case illustrates how the three levels of culture – national, organizational, and professional cultures – could all interlace in a real world setting and serve as an instrumental force of success amidst tension in one particular cross-border strategic alliance. First, we adopt a thick descriptive style of case narration to present the case of a Dutch- Thai joint venture, Chuchawal-De Weger Internationaal (CDW), painting a portrait of its origin, evolution and characteristics. Next, we turn to elaborate on the particular issue of cultural crossing, its exact theorized properties, dimensions and implications. Finally, we relate the case of CDW to the proposed theory and conclude with a reflection on how this case and our interpretation of it illuminate the complex role culture can play in the dynamics of strategic alliances.
    Keyword Cross-cultural management
    Culture
    Qualitative case study
    Strategic alliance
    Thick-description
    JEL F23
    L24
    M16
    Z13
    Copyright Holder UNU-MERIT
    Copyright Year 2008
    Copyright type All rights reserved
    ISSN 18719872
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    Created: Wed, 11 Dec 2013, 16:15:58 JST