The ethical benefits of trust-based partnering : the example of the construction industry

McDermott, P; Swan, W; Wood, GD

Abstract

As inter-organisational relations represent an increasingly important element in business the ability to build sustainable relationships becomes a key skill. To achieve sustainable relationships parties need to move from a low trust/low ethics base to a high trust/high ethics base in their relating. This paper uses data from a study into trust-based partnering in the construction industry to demonstrate that ethics is integral to trust building. The data supports the proposition that ethical partnering, which is characterised by reliability, delivery of promises, open and honest communications, respect and reciprocity, and a willingness to act reasonably towards each other, is the most effective model for parties seeking to build sustainable relationships.

Citation

McDermott, P., Swan, W., & Wood, G. (2002). The ethical benefits of trust-based partnering : the example of the construction industry. Business Ethics: A European Review, 11(1), 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8608.00254

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2002
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2008
• Journal: Business Ethics: a European Review
• Print ISSN: 0962-8770
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 4-13
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8608.00254
• Publisher URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=308824