Network learning and trust: A case study of a benchmarking network

Abstract

When organizations engage in learning from each other through self‐governed networks, they may encounter challenges regarding confidentiality. This is particularly true if external accountability needs of the network participants conflict with internal accountability among participants and/or network‐level objectives. This study shows how important it is to have specific agreements about not using findings for accountability outside the network. Empirical evidence comes from a longitudinal case study of a benchmarking project involving six independent public sector companies. Based on reciprocal trust among the participants, the promise of confidentiality was made up front and enforced throughout the network collaboration by the participants themselves.

Asset specificity, relational governance, firm adaptability and supply chain integration

“…Caputo et al (2019) contends that the way negotiations are conducted between firms has an impact on flexibility. In an environment where partners have a positive attitude towards each other, confidence is built and this encourages learning to take place (Dietrichson and Bukh, 2020).…”

“…Trust acts as a base upon which partners open up to share information and coordinate processes (Wang et al. , 2020; Dietrichson and Bukh, 2020).…”

“…Trust, commitment and relationship value result into shared outcome (Thomas et al, 2015). Trust acts as a base upon which partners open up to share information and coordinate processes (Wang et al, 2020;Dietrichson and Bukh, 2020).…”