Author Abstract
Innovative solutions to pressing global problems require effective inter-cultural communication. We propose that a barrier to the sharing of ideas pertinent to innovation in inter-cultural relationships is low affect-based trust, which arise from individuals' deficits in inter-cultural capability. Results from a study of sample of executives' professional networks indicate that individuals lower in inter-cultural capability are less likely to share new ideas in inter-cultural ties but not intra-cultural ties. This effect is mediated by tie-level affect-based trust but not cognition-based trust. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. 21 pages.
Paper Information
- Full Working Paper Text
- Working Paper Publication Date: May 2009
- HBS Working Paper Number: 09-130
- Faculty Unit(s): Organizational Behavior