By Pamela S. Harper and D. Scott Harper
In Animal Farm, George Orwell wrote, “All animals are equal (but some animals are more equal than others).” We believe this statement can also frequently be applied to all types of strategic partnerships. This includes joint ventures, strategic alliances, outsourcing, and licensing.
Even when partners intend to create an equal relationship, it’s easy for their different values, beliefs, and practices to result in a cultural tug-of-war that leaves one (or surprisingly, all of the partners) feeling that they’re the ones holding the short end of the stick.
It’s especially critical to address this issue sooner rather than later, as the clock for payoff mercilessly ticks away regardless of what is happening.Read More