Facilitating inter-Organizational Knowledge Sharing via Inter-Organizational Trust

In this era of the network economy, with the attention to rapidly information system increase, inter-organizational knowledge sharing is one key driving force required to streamline value chain activities and maximize operational benefits. Knowledge sharing can be realized when the involved business partners successfully develop trust and build long-term partnerships. In this study, a model of knowledge sharing across the supply chain is constructed. Social and cultural factors are investigated in this model to develop inter-organizational trust among the various supply chain members. A sample of 196 people was selected by simple random sampling among employees of one of the subsidiaries of petrochemical industry and 180 questionnaires were completed and returned. The obtained results were analyzed using statistical methods and structural equation model with Amos software. The findings of the study show that trust is enforced when organizations develop shared goals, form social relational embeddedness. In addition, inter-organizational trust leads to better inter-organizational collaboration and knowledge sharing. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.