Towards a Better Understanding of the Antecedents of IJVs’ Knowledge Acquisition and its Outcome: A Two-Fold Proposed Framework

In the era of globalization and technological advancement, developing and transition economies focus in seeking to attract FDI as means of obtaining capital and new technology. This in turn will open the door for local firms to enter into international joint ventures (IJVs) to acquire necessary capabilities by gaining access to foreign MNCs’ resources, knowledge, and skills. While foreign partners have agreed to pool their capital, knowledge, and technology, however, there is no guarantee of successful ventures. Drawing upon the intensive literature on knowledge transfer and strategic alliances, this paper aims to present potential antecedents and consequences of IJVs’ knowledge acquisition through proposing a two-fold conceptual framework to be tested empirically in future studies. The proposed framework suggests transfer mechanisms, management practices and formal mechanisms that link to IJVs’ knowledge acquisition. These will in turn lead to IJVs’ competitiveness. To support and justify the suggested framework, methodology and literature reviews are presented

Anxiety and sociocultural adjustment from the perspective of international students in Malaysia

The main purpose for this study is to investigate whether anxiety will inversely influence international students’ sociocultural adjustment in the context of pursuing education in higher learning institutions in Malaysia; specifically in Universiti Utara Malaysia. The data used for this study derived from the questionnaire survey conducted randomly among the international students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who came from 27 different nationalities. A total number of 397 valid responses were successfully obtained. The descriptive analysis, reliability analysis and correlation analysis were undertaken in this study. For the relationship between anxiety and sociocultural adjustment, although a significant relationship is found, the direction of the postulated relationship is positive instead of negative. Discussions and conclusion of research are put forth

The influence of anxiety on sociocultural adjustment among international students in Malaysia

The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether anxiety will inversely influence international students’ socio cultural adjustment in the context of pursuing education in higher learning institutions in Malaysia; specifically in Universiti Utara Malaysia.The data used for this study was derived from the questionnaire survey conducted randomly among the international students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who came from 27 different nationalities.A total number of 397 valid responses were successfully obtained.Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the model.For the relationship between anxiety and socio cultural adjustment, although a significant relationship is found, the direction of the postulated relationship is positive instead of negative.The result may have some implications to management and policy makers

Technology diffusion through production process and the innovative capacity of local suppliers

This study goes beyond the existing research in the area of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) spillovers by opening the black box of Multinational Corporations’ (MNC) technology and knowledge spillovers in Malaysia. The main objective of this study was to add to limited evidence related to how and in what ways technology and knowledge are diffused. Specifically, it attempts to contribute to the FDI spillover literature by exploring the channels through which technology and knowledge could be transferred to the host country. In doing so, the authors had employed an in-depth case study method in order to generate a deeper understanding of the significance of the assistance provided by MNCs and that this method would prove an effective strategy in generating a large volume of very meaningful data. The study has identified that technology is diffused from MNCs to local suppliers through the production process, technical consultation and production facilities. Local suppliers enhance their innovative capacity through these linkages. The findings not only provide benefit to the academic circle but also to local businesses, especially small and medium industries, as well as policy makers. The managerial and policy implications derived from the findings are relevant, not only to Malaysia, but also to other developing countries, particularly Malaysia’s neighbouring countries

Generational differences in workplace communication

Purpose – This research investigates the generational differences in workplace communication, expectations and behaviors of employees from the perspectives of female leaders and their direct reports.Design – This study employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with 12 female leaders and 24 of their direct reports who are working in various organizations in Malaysia.Findings – Findings include three themes that emerged as key in determining and reflecting the female leaders’ experiences in communicating with their employees in the workplace: (1) attitudes towards power and authority; (2) being creative and taking risks and (3) workplace dynamics.Research Implications – The workplace setting and the leaders’ stance with regards to workplace interaction have seen adjustment towards a flatter and less-hierarchical structure in line with the challenges associated with the 21st century organizations.Practical implications – Leaders and members of the organizations should work towards balancing some traditional and emerging expectations and work practices to better engage with each other. Originality/value – This research highlights the interactions between two distinct groups that are gaining importance and influence in the current workplace; female leaders and the Gen-Ys and uncovers the unique blend between perceived cultural dimensions, the influence of technology advancement and overseas exposure in organizations in Malaysia