Trust and knowledge transfer: an explanatory framework for identifying relationships within communities of practice

In this paper, we consider relationships between the concepts of trust and knowledge. With more emphasis on lateral relationships within organisations, growth in virtual networks and alliances between companies, and a shift toward knowledge-based economies, there is an increasing need for trust in working relationships. Within such emerging new alliances and partnerships there is also an implied notion that sharing of knowledge and mutual trust are embedded in these relationships. However, there is to date little or no empirical evidence to support this. In attempting to achieve and maintain competitive advantage across virtual and distributed networks, knowledge transfer and trust are vital elements. Using the context of communities of practice, this paper explores ways in which a more substantial and definitive link between knowledge and trust can be developed. A theoretical framework is proposed that provides a contribution to the broader agenda of trust-building in organisational exchanges, and offers a potentially useful model for investigating the link between knowledge and trust in a range of research settings