An examination of a health care international joint venture

During the past 10 years, joint ventures (JV) have become inreasingly popular as a means of business development in countries moving toward greater democracy. Joint ventures are often viewed as temporary organizational structures and subject to failure because they do not achieve their initial objectives (Geringer and Herbert, 1991; Harrigan, 1985 and 1986). Consequently, the decision to form JVs in emerging democracies provides insight for future investors and for research regarding decision making under uncertainty. A study presents the findings of an in-depth case analysis of the formation of a JV formed in Poland to create an outpatient healthcare clinic. The study was conducted to identify: 1. the issues that are critical in terms of forming the JV, 2. the clarity in objectives, 3. the economic, political and social rationales for the JV, and 4. the expectations for the performance of the JV.