Exploring the Role of Interpersonal Trust in Facilitating Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration in Cross-Functional Teams
Keywords:
Interpersonal trust, cross-functional teams, knowledge exchange, collaboration, qualitative research, psychological safety, organizational behaviorAbstract
This study aims to explore how interpersonal trust facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration among members of cross-functional teams in organizational settings. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 29 professionals from diverse industries in Tehran who had direct experience working in cross-functional teams. Participants were selected via purposive sampling to ensure relevance to the study objectives. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Each session lasted between 45 to 75 minutes and was transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Trustworthiness was enhanced through strategies such as member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Foundations of Interpersonal Trust, including subthemes such as communication openness, psychological safety, and role clarity; (2) Enablers of Knowledge Exchange, including informal interactions, competence-based trust, leadership support, and feedback acceptance; and (3) Collaboration Outcomes and Challenges, highlighting trust’s role in enhancing synergy, innovation, and conflict resolution, as well as the detrimental effects of mistrust and knowledge hoarding. Participants consistently emphasized that trust enabled deeper collaboration, reduced information silos, and fostered a learning-oriented environment. Interpersonal trust is a critical enabler of effective collaboration and knowledge sharing in cross-functional teams. It facilitates both the relational and cognitive dimensions of teamwork by fostering psychological safety, mutual respect, and open communication. Organizations seeking to improve cross-functional performance should actively cultivate trust through leadership practices, structural supports, and team-building initiatives. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of trust as a dynamic and context-sensitive phenomenon in collaborative work settings.
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