Innovation Communication in Multicultural Networks: Deficits in Inter-Cultural Capability and Affect-Based Trust as Barriers to New Idea Sharing in Inter-Cultural Relationships
21 Pages Posted: 14 May 2009
Date Written: May 13, 2009
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.
Keywords: Idea Sharing, Trust, Multicultural Networks, Inter-cultural Capability
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