Trust in a knowledge related project work environment

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.