Title: Trust in a knowledge related project work environment

Authors: Kaj U. Koskinen, Pekka Pihlanto

Addresses: Industrial Management and Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Pohjoisranta 11, P.O. Box 300, Pori 28101, Finland. ' Business Research and Development Centre, Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, Turku 20500, Finland

Abstract: This conceptual paper highlights the role of trust in a project work context. First, the paper describes the concepts of trust and knowledge. Then the discussion goes on to deal with four different knowledge related project work environments and the role of trust in the connection of them. It is concluded that it is very important that knowledge related project work environments are neither over-challenged nor under-challenged in relation to trusting relationships. Furthermore, it is also concluded that there is not always time in a project work context to develop thick forms of trust, and therefore the project teams have to accept thin forms of trust as a reality with which they must manage.

Keywords: trust; tacit knowledge; explicit knowledge; knowledge management; project management; mechanical knowledge; organic knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2007.012152

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2007 Vol.8 No.1, pp.75 - 88

Published online: 24 Jan 2007 *

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