Multiple intelligence theory, knowledge identification and trust

This paper presents the results of introducing management students to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences as a means of increasing respect for the knowledge and abilities of others, which in turn, may increase levels of trust in the ability of others, willingness to share knowledge and trust in equity of knowledge exchanges. The results indicate that most of the participants agreed that the theory raised their awareness of the knowledge of others as well as respect for the knowledge of others and trust in the abilities of others to provide knowledge, willingness of others to share knowledge and trust in an equitable exchange in knowledge sharing. However, large numbers of participants indicated that they remained unsure about the potential effects of their new knowledge on trust. Suggestions for more extensive and intensive research to test the effects of the theory and the proposed model are put forward.