Identification of factors and outcomes of trust in mobile supply chains

Abstract

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is the identification of the conceptualization of trust as well as its factors and outcomes in interorganizational relations in mobile supply chains (MSCs) in which multiple stakeholders collaborate. Design/methodology/approach – The authors first used a comprehensive literature review to extract related factors and outcomes of trust. Second, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews in chemical and pharmaceutical companies in Germany. These organizations stand out as leaders in the concept of MSCs and have developed collaborations with various stakeholders. Findings – Based on the results, a conceptual model has been developed that elaborates on the nature of trust and its factors and outcomes for cultivating trustful stakeholder collaboration. The study identifies six factors or approaches for building trust and two outcomes resulting from mutual trust. Practical implications – The conceptual model presented in this study can serve as a basis for developing trust in MSCs. Interorganizational collaborations in MSCs are more successful when saturated with trust. The collaboration systems must allow the innovative organizations to create value through the adaptation of advanced technologies without failure. Originality/value – The study adds to the body of knowledge in building trust in multiple stakeholder collaboration, particularly in innovative organizations which are involved with disruptive technologies. 研究目的 – 由眾多股東共同協作的移動供應鏈内存在著一定的互信。本文主要的目的在闡明這種互信的概念，並確定就組織間之關係而言，帶來互信的因素及因互信而產生的效果。 研究設計/方法/理念 – 作者們首先透過全面的文獻探討，從中提取帶來互信的相關因素，和因互信而產生的效果。作者們接著在位於德國的化工及製藥公司內進行半結構式訪談。這些組織及公司就移動供應鏈的概念而言，在同業中脫穎而出，成為領導者，並與各股東建立了合作夥伴的關係。 研究結果 – 作者們根據研究結果、建立了一個概念模型。這模型闡述了互信的性質，互信的因素，以及在股東間培育互信合作關係的效果。研究亦確定了建立互信六個相關因素/方法，和兩個因互信而產生的效果。 研究的原創性/價值 – 本研究在現時相關的領域上、加深了我們對多個股東共同協作上建立互信的瞭解，特別是涉及破壞式技術的創新型組織。 實務方面的啓示 – 本研究所展示的概念模型可作為在移動供應鏈內建立互信的基礎和依據。若移動供應鏈內的各個組織間充滿著互信，則相互的協作定必更成功。共同協作的機製必須能為創新型組織透過無誤地改編先進技術去創造價值。

Keywords

• Interorganizational trust
• Information sharing
• Stakeholders
• Mobile supply chain
• Supply chain collaboration
• Sustainable production