Exploring the relationship between collaboration, trust and knowledge sharing: A case study from the air-conditioning industry

The notion of ‘trust’ has fast become a ‘hot topic’ in the knowledge management literature. There is a common understanding that the greater the level of trust between team members, the greater their propensity to share knowledge. The study that is discussed in this paper set out to test that understanding within a team of air conditioning mechanics. Not only was there empirical evidence to support the common understanding of the relationship between trust and knowledge sharing, but several recommendations emerged from the study as to how to enhance the level of trust within such a team.