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Interpersonal trust and inter-firm trust in construction projects

Author

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  • Ellen Lau
  • Steve Rowlinson

Abstract

Working relationships are important in effecting project performance and cooperation is believed to be a behavioural consequence of trust. Trust, being a quality of relationships, involves people interacting at interpersonal and inter-firm levels. This is investigated through 10 partnering and non-partnering projects, using a validated trust scale. A case study approach is used to collect qualitative data through a quantitative approach to help understand the concept of trust. Data were collected from clients, contractors, consultants and subcontractors. Clients and contractors have a tendency to trust individuals whereas contractors and subcontractors have a tendency to trust firms. Inter-firm trust is better understood than interpersonal trust; but both are associated with keeping commitments and demonstrating cooperation, even though interpersonal trust is considered more important. Partnering does not necessarily exhibit more trust than non-partnering projects whereas clients and contractors have different emphasis on interpersonal and inter-firm trust. Therefore, to promote trusting relationships in multi-parties is to fulfil not only the technological and economical goals, but also the moral and social goals as expressed in people relationships such that a socially safe working place can be created. For this reason, middle managers need to know about trust because they face more relationship problems than others.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellen Lau & Steve Rowlinson, 2009. "Interpersonal trust and inter-firm trust in construction projects," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(6), pages 539-554.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:conmgt:v:27:y:2009:i:6:p:539-554
    DOI: 10.1080/01446190903003886
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Kolawole Iyiola & Husam Rjoub, 2020. "Using Conflict Management in Improving Owners and Contractors Relationship Quality in the Construction Industry: The Mediation Role of Trust," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(1), pages 21582440198, January.
    2. Odhigu Festus Onosakponome & Nazatul Shima Abdul Rani & Junaid M. Shaikh, 2011. "Cost Benefit Analysis of Procurement Systems and the Performance of Construction Projects in East Malaysia," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 2(5), pages 181-192.
    3. Yilin Yin & Qing Lin & Wanyi Xiao & Hang Yin, 2020. "Impacts of Risk Allocation on Contractors’ Opportunistic Behavior: The Moderating Effect of Trust and Control," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-16, November.
    4. James K. C. Chen & Thitima Sriphon, 2021. "Perspective on COVID-19 Pandemic Factors Impacting Organizational Leadership," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-21, March.
    5. Jawad Talha Rehan & Zhao Xuefeng & Rafiq Mansoor, 2019. "Interplay of relational governance, task conflict, opportunism and their effect on the performance of projects," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 8(6), pages 201-211, October.
    6. James K. C. Chen & Thitima Sriphon, 2022. "Authentic Leadership, Trust, and Social Exchange Relationships under the Influence of Leader Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-32, May.
    7. Wioleta Kucharska, 2017. "Relationships between Trust and Collaborative Culture in The Context of Tacit Knowledge Sharing," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 14(4), pages 61-78.
    8. Greco, Marco & Grimaldi, Michele & Locatelli, Giorgio & Serafini, Mattia, 2021. "How does open innovation enhance productivity? An exploration in the construction ecosystem," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).

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