Massaro_et_al_2017.pdf (472.15 kB)
Trust, control and knowledge transfer in small business networks
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 14:16 authored by Maurizio Massaro, Andrea Moro, Ewald Aschauer, Matthias FinkThe ability to transfer knowledge effectively in the networks of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) is paramount for supporting firm competitiveness. Our research is the first one that explores the joint effect of trust and control mechanisms on knowledge transfer in the case of networks of SMEs. We use a multiple case study approach based on six Italian networks of SMEs. We analyse the joint impact of different ethical based trustworthiness factors—namely benevolence and integrity—and the levers of control (LOCs)—namely, belief, boundary, diagnostic and interactive LOCs—on knowledge transfer between SMEs in networks. We find that trust substitutes for the implementation of boundary, diagnostic, and belief tools, while it works jointly with interactive tools in order to support knowledge transfer. These insights not only provide a rich foundation for follow-up research, but also inform SME managers about how to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of knowledge transfer with their network partners.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
13Issue number
2Page range
267-301Publication title
Review of Managerial ScienceISSN
1863-6691External DOI
Publisher
SpringerFile version
- Published version
Language
- eng
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Legacy posted date
2018-02-15Legacy creation date
2018-02-09Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Lord Ashcroft International Business School (until September 2018)Usage metrics
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