Trust in relationships in business clusters

ABSTRACT This study aims to integrate interorganizational relationships (both vertical and horizontal ones) through the perception of trust in businesses' collaborative behavior. We will use as our empirical field the Brazilian furniture industry production clusters situated in the cities of Arapongas, Mirassol, Ubá and Bento Gonçalves. Data were collected through questionnaires which were administered in loco and analyzed using correlation analysis and the Granger causality test. Trust was analyzed in the benevolence dimension and its relationship with commitment. Results demonstrated that there is causality in the horizontal relationship and that there is no causality in relationships between suppliers and clients, nor in relationships between those and competitors. However, there is a strong correlation between trust in clients and horizontal relationships. Therefore, it was verified that the presence of trust in interorganizational relationships is independent and isolated, and not a permanent, routine attitude.

摘要：本研究旨在通过感知企业合作行为中的信任，整合组织间关系（涵盖纵向与横向关系）。本研究的实证场域选定为巴西阿拉蓬加斯、米拉索尔、乌巴以及本图贡萨尔维斯四座城市的家具产业生产集群。数据通过实地发放问卷采集，并采用相关性分析与格兰杰因果检验开展分析。研究从善意维度对信任进行剖析，并探讨其与承诺的关联。结果表明，横向关系中存在因果联系，而供应商与客户之间、客户与竞争者之间均未发现因果关联。不过，对客户的信任与横向关系之间存在较强的相关性。由此证实，组织间关系中的信任呈现独立且孤立的状态，并非一种持久的常态化行为。