University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the micro-level dynamics of trust, formal contracts and knowledge transfer in corporate investment relationships
Vos de Wael, Alexander (2009) Exploring the micro-level dynamics of trust, formal contracts and knowledge transfer in corporate investment relationships.
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| Abstract: | Trust, formal contracts and knowledge transfer are key concepts in the alliance governance literature. They have been widely described as constructs interacting on the firm-level. However, in strategic alliances the actual work is done by the firm’s employees, rather than the firm itself. The manner in which employees of both alliance partners interact represents a micro-level, underpinning the macro firm-level relationships. The microlevel has been little investigated, yet can provide deeper insights into inter-firm cooperation. This study investigates how employees’ interactions affect and are affected by trust, formal contracts and knowledge transfer in strategic alliances. A case study of two corporate investment relationships is described. Inductive methods are then applied to build theory from this case study. It is found that relationships between the three key concepts are mediated by the clarity of the mandate of R&D personnel, the interference of managers in R&D talks, and the focus of R&D talks. These results emphasize the importance of micro-level interactions. It is also found that these interactions have a dynamic nature, wherein the levels of trust, contract complexity and knowledge transfer change over time. A further contribution is that trust and contracts have a non-reciprocal relationship, rather than complementary or substitutive relationships. Finally future research opportunities are identified and managerial advice on managing corporate investment relationships is provided. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/59800 |
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