新作坊 Humanity Innovation and Social Practice

Abstract

This research analyzes the building of trust in interorganizational cooperation via a case study on the ongoing Humanity Innovation and Social Practice project in Taiwan, involving governmental agencies, universities, researchers, and practitioners in localities. Boundary spanner theory is adopted to elaborate how trust and communication mechanisms can be established when an asymmetric relationship of power inevitably exists among stakeholders. This study reveals that these cooperative parties have to constantly prove themselves trustworthy and willing to trust others through practicing. To achieve this goal, boundary spanners of each cooperative party play pivotal roles to facilitate continuous communication and mutual understanding between organizations. They share similar practical experiences and a problem-oriented mindset, which enable them to find solutions together based on institutional responsibility and supportive mechanisms when facing challenges. This constructive kind of interaction benefits cooperation not only at the individual level but also at the organizational level, and permits sustained interorganizational cooperation.