This article develops a model to understand the influence of relationship bonding on trust and commitment between partners in international strategic alliances. Theoretical foundations are drawn from resource dependency and social exchange theories as frameworks for the analysis of interdependency. The model is tested in the context of U.S.-Mexican strategic alliances. The results of this study show that trust and commitment assist in building interdependency between both partners and perceived structural dependency is a prerequisite to maintain and develop social dynamics in the relationship. Trust is built mainly on economic and strategic cooperation for U.S. managers whereas Mexican managers perceive social and affective dimensions as its driving forces. Both U.S. and Mexican managers perceive commitment to the relationship as supported on high levels of trust. The authors discuss the implications of these results for the management of the relationship and building interdependency from a cultural perspective.
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