Exploring Trust as an Influencing Mechanism of Intrapreneurship

Abstract

Managers and employees in four diverse organization settings were interviewed with semi-structured methods to provide grounded insight about the potential role of trust as a contributor to intrapreneurial behavior. The data suggest that several different dimensions of trust influence intrapreneurial behavior. Transcription analysis identified dimensions of trust as “downward trust-in,” “upward trust-of,” and “upward trust-in.” In addition, lateral trust, reciprocity and the cascading effects of managerial trust, are explored. Study results are examined within the theory of intrapreneurship in organizations and directions for future research are outlined.

Keywords: Intrapreneurship, trust

JEL Classification: M10