Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-4-2018
Abstract
Many studies of interorganizational relationships assume that trust between organizations is symmetric. In this essay, we explore the origins of this assumption and examine relevant quantitative and qualitative evidence from the literatures on strategy, marketing, supply chain management, and information systems. We conclude that no systematic evidence currently exists to support the assumption that interorganizational trust is typically symmetric. We explore how the possibility of asymmetry complicates interpretation of previous research on the effects of interorganizational trust. We encourage further research to identify conditions under which symmetry is likely, and offer a variety of strategies that scholars may use to deal with potential asymmetry.
Recommended Citation
Graebner, M. E., Lumineau, F., & Kamal, D. F. (2018). Unrequited: Asymmetry in interorganizational trust. Strategic Organization. doi: 10.1177/1476127018808465
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
The authors
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Business and Corporate Communications Commons, International Business Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Other Business Commons
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Strategic Organization in 2018 following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at DOI: 10.1177/1476127018808465.