Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Kwanjai, Nantawan Noi
Author-Email: kwanjai@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT
Author-Name: Hertog, J. Friso den
Author-Email: denhertog@merit.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: UNU-MERIT, University of Maastricht
Title: Portrait of an Odd-Eyed Cat: Cultural Crossing as a Trademark for a Dutch-Thai 
	 Strategic Alliance
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. 
Classification-JEL: F23, L24, M14, Z13
Keywords: cross-cultural management, culture, qualitative case study,
	 strategic alliance, thick-description
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 2008
Number: 2008-043
File-URL: https://unu-merit.nl/publications/wppdf/2008/wp2008-043.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 275 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2008043