Co-worker trust and knowledge creation: A multilevel analysis

Abstract

Prior research on trust and knowledge creation has primarily focused on organisational or team-level knowledge creation and the dyadic nature of trust without considering social contexts. This study explores how the extent to which team members are trusted by teammates in their networks (co-worker trust) is associated with the creation of new knowledge in a knowledge-intensive team setting. In addition, the study investigates the moderational effects of task interdependence on the relationship between co-worker trust and knowledge creation. Using a sample of 194 research scientists working in 48 knowledge-intensive teams, our results reveal that team members who are highly trusted by co-workers are more likely to create new knowledge. The positive relationship between co-worker trust and knowledge creation was strongest under conditions of high task interdependence. The discussion addresses the importance of understanding the role of co-worker trust in enhancing knowledge creation and highlights the importance of task contexts. Practical implications for knowledge-intensive teams are discussed.