Abstract
This chapter offers an in-depth critique of previous research on the is
sues of instability of international joint ventures. We identify several
major limitations of the previous literature: lack of clear concep
tualizations and consistent operationalizations, lack of clarity in the re
lationship with performance, static focus on the eventual destination
rather than developmental processes, and lack of managerial relevance.
To overcome these deficiencies, we propose a significant reconceptuali
zation in which instability is defined as a neutral, dynamic, processbased, and multifaceted phenomenon. We also propose directions for
future research.