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Paper info: National Culture And Its Impact On Trust And Cooperation In International Business Networks: Some Empirical Evidence From A Greek-Finnish Business Network

Title


National Culture And Its Impact On Trust And Cooperation In International Business Networks: Some Empirical Evidence From A Greek-Finnish Business Network

Authors


Maria Elo
Åbo Akademi
Finland
Maria Elo

Place of Publication


The paper was published at the 19th IMP-conference in Lugano, Switzerland in 2003.

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Abstract


The paper discusses the question how national culture affects the creation of trust in international business networks. Can national culture function as an invisible barrier? It is assumed to have a central role in the development of trust and cooperation in cross-cultural industrial networks.The study concentrates on inter-organisational level and emphasises behavioural, non-economic exchange. Theoretically the study is built on interactive network approach (Industrial/International Marketing and Purchasing Group, IMP). The study focuses on the managerial perspective of interaction. The empirical background is the commercial interaction between Finland and Greece.The research part is explorative and mainly qualitative, interviews and a small survey is the data collecting method. It analyses the individual managers? viewpoint. The results of the study question the central role of national culture in trust creation and emphasise other aspects of cooperation instead, as well as dynamics. The study contributes to international business and networks in illuminating critical managerial aspects and implications on trust and culture. For further research avenues the strategic impact of multicultural personnel in international business nets and the dynamics of trust are suggested.Key words: culture, trust, cooperation, Finnish-Greek trade, international business, industrial networks.