International joint ventures research on Africa: A systematic literature review, propositions, and contextualization

Abstract

This study reviewed the research on international joint ventures (IJVs) in Africa up to 2017. The authors performed a systematic search of peer-reviewed good-quality research using the 6W procedure and ensured the quality of the review by using the 5Cs quality criteria. The content analysis was focused on four research questions. A total of 22 relevant studies were found. Overall, only about one-third of the lead authors were affiliated with African universities. A majority of the studies were quantitative, and 78% of the studies were done for three countries: Ghana, Morocco, and Nigeria. There was either just one or no study on trust and conflict, partner selection, and human resource management (HRM). At the contextual level, it seems the most important factor influencing IJV strategy and success is institutions. We therefore suggest a greater use of institutional theory. Finally, we present a summary of conceptual framework and four propositions to guide future research.

Market entry into Africa: Acquisitions and international joint ventures. Studies of foreign firms' market entry strategies, challenges, and performance in Africa

“…The findings of Oguji et al (2020) showed areas that are least studied and suggested institutional theory as a promising framework. Likewise, the other studies provided their suggestions for further research.…”

“…We summarize the articles in the special issue within these thematic areas in the following sections. The first article—“IJVs research on Africa: A systematic literature review, propositions, and contextualization”—Oguji, Degbey, and Owusu (2020), performed a systematic literature review of IJVs research in Africa up to 2017 using the 6 W procedure and 5Cs quality criteria. A total of 22 relevant studies were found relating to IJV formation, control, ownership, governance, knowledge transfer, IJV motives, strategies and performance.…”

“…Researchers should go “the extra mile” to do empirical research. In the study by Oguji et al (2020), several articles were not included because they were conceptual and did not add any new implications based on the “facts on the ground.” It is evident that secondary data/statistics are difficult to find and trust, and surveys are sometimes difficult to administer in more than one African country due to resource constraints, language differences, and sometimes bureaucratic hurdles regarding permissions for data collection. These difficulties are gradually eroding with the vast expansion of university education in African countries.…”

“…There is an urgent need to generate greater in‐depth knowledge on the contextual differences and challenges posed by the 52 African countries and 45 sub‐Saharan. Oguji et al (2020) found that the majority of the 22 studies on IJVs were done on JVs in just three countries: Ghana, Morocco, and Nigeria. Therefore, we propose the use of more qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research to highlight the nuanced African context well enough, and the contexts of individual African countries and the complex institutional and cultural similarities and differences of Africa and its component countries.…”

Understanding cross‐border mergers and acquisitions of African firms: The role of dynamic capabilities in enabling competitiveness amidst contextual constraints

“…Research shows that mergers and acquisitions (M&As), especially cross‐border ones, have become a fundamental international growth strategy for many firms from emerging or developing economies (Degbey & Ellis, 2017, 2019; Liou & Rao‐Nicholson, 2017; Oguji & Owusu, 2017; Peng, 2012). At the same time, while African countries have experienced dramatic economic growth in recent years, international business (IB) research attention on Africa has also been growing owing to the marked rise in the cross‐border economic activities of African firms (Boso, Adeleye, & White, 2016; Ibeh, Wilson, & Chizema, 2012; Oguji, Degbey, & Owusu, 2018).…”