Transferring trust between projects in inter-organisational relations – A case study in the Norwegian construction industry
Master thesis
Permanent lenke
https://hdl.handle.net/11250/2823736Utgivelsesdato
2021Metadata
Vis full innførselSamlinger
- Master of Science [1822]
Sammendrag
Abstract
This thesis sets forth to provide a more nuanced and rich understanding of the trust
transfer concept. Based on secondary data and semi-structured interviews with 28
participants from a repeat collaboration (embedded single case study) in the
empirical context of the Norwegian construction industry, how trust transfer takes
place between projects in inter-organisational relations was explored. Applying an
abductive approach, the researchers constantly went ‘back and forth’ between
theory and continuing research, resulting in a study providing rich insights to the
trust transfer research stream.
New and interesting insights into especially three topics related to trust transfer
were attained: boundary spanning people’s characteristics, boundary spanning
groups enabling trust transfer, and a willingness to transfer perceptions of
trustworthiness. The chief insights derived from our study are threefold. First, the
shadow of the past and the shadow of the future are conditional for the transfer of
trust. Second, boundary spanning individuals and groups are enablers of trust
transfer. Their individual characteristics are acknowledged to enable the transfer,
and boundary spanning structures are regarded to further strengthen the transferring
effect of the boundary spanning people by posing as an arena for such. Third, all
‘parts’ of trust (perceived ability, benevolence, and integrity) are able to transfer
between projects both on the individual and organisational level, reinforced by a
willingness of individuals to transfer the assessments of trustworthiness.
Our research offers the scholarly field valuable, nuanced insights addressed through
theoretical implications, emphasising the concept of trust transfer and boundary
spanners’ effect on such. Additionally, a range of fruitful avenues for further
research is proposed in this regard. Practical implications include managers’
prospective utilisation of boundary spanning people by acknowledging the
individual, identified set of transfer enabling characteristics. Moreover, recognising
that by being both transparent and opaque, boundary spanning groups have the
capability to enable trust transfer.
Keywords: Trust, trust transfer, transference, inter-organisational relations,
project-based organisations
Beskrivelse
Masteroppgave(MSc) in Master of Science in Business, Strategy - Handelshøyskolen BI, 2021