The problem and the solution. A focus on collective, as opposed to individual learning, points to the social network component of learning. Collective learning is fundamentally concerned with social interaction and the development of relational synergies.A key challenge to understanding social interaction is the influence of trust. Trust is important for social capital development and thus for collective learning.This article addresses a significant gap in the literature by reviewing the literature on collective learning, trust, and social capital theory and proposing a set of propositions for further research.The article also identifies a number of implications for HRD in tandem with each proposition.
Adler, P.S., & Kwon, S.W. (2002). Social capital: Prospects for a new concept. Academy of Management Review, 27(1), 17.
2.
Andrews, K.M., & Delahaye, B.L. (2000). Influences of knowledge process in organisational learning: The psychosocial filter. Journal of Management Studies, 37(6), 797-811.
3.
Bakker, M., Leenders, R.T.A. J., Gabbay, S.M., Kratzer, J., Van Engelen, J.M.L. (2006). Is trust really social capital? Knowledge sharing in product development projects. Learning Organisation, 13(6), 594-605.
4.
Berger, P.L., & Luckman, T. (1966). The social construction of reality. London: Penguin.
5.
Bijlsma-Frankema, K.M., Prins, E., & Weber, B. (1999). Managerial perspectives on success and failure of post-acquisition processes, In A. Rahim , R. T. Golembiewski, & K. D. MacKenzie (Eds.), Current topics in management (pp. 155-179). Greenwich, CT: JAI.
6.
Boisot, M.H. (1995). Information space: A framework for learning in organisation, institutions and culture. London: Routledge.
7.
Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. G. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook for theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241-258). New York: Greenwood. Brewer, M.B. (1979). In group bias in the minimal intergroup situation: A cognitive motivational analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 86, 307-324.
8.
Breker, M.B., & Kramer, R.K. (1986). Choice behaviour in social dilemmas: Effects of social identity, group size, and decision framing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 50, 543-549.
9.
Brockner, J., & Siegel, P.A. (1997). When trust matters: The moderating effect of outcome favourability. Administrative Science Quarterly, 42, 558-584.
10.
Brown, J.S., & Duguid, P. (1996). Organisational learning and communities of practice: Toward a unified view of working, learning and innovation. In M. D. Cohen & L. S. Sproull (Eds.), Organizational learning (pp. 58-82). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
11.
Burt, R.S. (1992). Structural holes: The social structure of competition . Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
12.
Butler, J.K. (1991). Towards understanding and measuring conditions of trust: Evolution of conditions of a trust inventory. Journal of Management, 17, 643-663.
13.
Camagni, R. (1995). Global network and local milieu: Towards a theory of economic space. In S. Conti, E. Malecki, & P. Oinas (Eds.), The industrial enterprise and its environment: Spatial perspectives (pp. 195-214). Avebury, UK: Aldershot.
Coleman, J.S. (1988a). Social capital in the creation of human capital . American Journal of Sociology, 94(Suppl.), S95-S120.
16.
Costa, A.C. (2003). Work team trust and effectiveness. Personnel Review, 32, 605-623.
17.
Coulson, A. (1998). Trust: The foundation of public sector management . In A. Coulson (Ed.), Trust and contracts (pp. 3-8). Bristol, UK: Policy Press.
18.
Cross, R., Rice, R.E., & Parker, A. (2001). Information seeking in social context: Structural influences and receipt of information benefits. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics-Part C: Applications and Reviews, 31(4), 438-448.
19.
Currall, S.C., & Judge, T.A. (1995). Measuring trust between organizations. Organisational Behaviour and Human Decision Processes, 64(2), 151-170.
20.
Davenport, T.H., & Prusak, L. (1998). Working knowledge: How organisations manage what they know. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
21.
De Laat, M.F., & Simons, P.R.J. (2002). Collective learning: Theoretical perspectives and ways to support networked learning. European Journal for Vocational Training, 27, 13-24.
Dodgson, M. (1993). Learning, trust and technological collaboration . Human Relations, 46(1), 77-95.
24.
Doz, Y.L. (1996). The evolution of cooperation in strategic alliances: Initial conditions or learning processes? Strategic Management Journal, 17, 55-83.
25.
Droege, S.B., Anderson, J.R., Bowler, M. (2003). Trust and organizational information flow. Journal of Business and Management, 9(1), 45-59.
26.
Edmondson, A.C. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behaviour in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44, 350-384.
27.
Edmondson, A.C., & Moingeon, B. (2001). Learning, trust and organisational change. In M. Easterby-Smith, J. Burgoyne, & L. Araujo (Eds.), Organisational learning and the learning organisation: Developments in theory and practice (pp. 157-175). London: Sage.
28.
Eisenhardt, K. (1989). Making fast strategic decisions in high velocity environments. Academy of Management Journal, 32(3), 543-576.
29.
Farrell, J., Flood, P., MacCurtain, S., Hannigan, A., Dawson, J., & West, M. (2005). CEO leadership, top management team trust and the combination and exchange of information. Irish Journal of Management, 26, 22-40.
30.
Fukuyama, F. (1995). Trust: The social virtues and the creation of prosperity. London: Hamish Hamilton .
31.
Fukuyama, F. (1997). Social capital and the modern capitalist economy: Creating a high trust workplace. Stern Business Magazine, 4(1), 4-16.
32.
Fuller, A., Munro, A., & Rainbird, H. (2004). Introduction and overview. In H. Rainbird, A. Fuller, & A. Munro (Eds.), Workplace learning in context (pp. 1-19). London: Routledge.
33.
Fulmer, R.M., Gibbs, P., & Keys, J.B. (1998). The second generation learning organizations: New tools for sustaining competitive advantage. Organizational Dynamics, 27(2), 6-21.
34.
Gambetta, D. (1988). Can we trust trust? In D. Gambetta (Ed.), Trust: Making and breaking cooperative relations (pp. 213-237). Oxford, UK: Blackwell .
35.
Granovetter, M.S. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380.
36.
Granovetter, M. (1985). Economic action and social structure: The problem of embeddedness. American Journal of Sociology, 91(3), 481-510.
37.
Granovetter, M.S. (1992). Problems of explanation in economic sociology . In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: Structure, form and action (pp. 25-56). Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
38.
Griffin, K. (1967). The contribution of studies of source credibility to a theory of interpersonal trust in the communication department. Psychological Bulletin, 68, 104-120.
39.
Gubbins, M.C., & Garavan, T.N. (2005). Studying HRD practitioners: A social capital model . Human Resource Development Review, 4(2), 189-218.
40.
Gulati, R. (1994). Does familiarity breed trust? The implications of repeated ties for contractual choice in alliances. Academy of Management Journal, 38, 85-112.
41.
Hansen, M.T. (1999). The search-transfer problem: The role of weak ties in sharing knowledge across organization subunits. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(1), 82-111.
42.
Heavans, S., & Child, J. (1999, June). Mediating individual and organizational learning: The role of teams and trust. Paper presented at the 3rd International Conference on Organizational Learning, Lancaster, UK.
43.
Jarvenpaa, S.L., & Leidner, D.E. (1999). Communication and trust in global virtual teams . Organization Science, 10, 791-816.
44.
Jones, G.R., & George, J.M. (1998). The experience and evolution of trust: Implications for cooperation and teamwork. Academy of Management Review , 23, 531-547.
45.
Klimoski, R.J., & Karol, B. (1976). The impact of trust on creative problem solving groups. Journal of Applied Psychology, 61, 630-633.
46.
Knowles, M. (1980). The adult learner: A neglected species. Houston, TX: Gulf.
47.
Knowles, M. (1995). Designs for adult learning. Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training and Development .
48.
Krackhardt, D. (1989, August). Graph theoretical dimensions of informal organizations. Paper presented at the Academy of Management meeting, Washington, DC.
49.
Krackhardt, D. (1992). The strength of strong ties: The importance of philos in organizations. In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: Structures, form and action (pp. 216-239). Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
50.
Kramer, R.M. (1999). Trust and distrust in organisations: Emerging perspectives, enduring questions. Annual Review of Psychology , 50, 569-598.
51.
Kramer, R. M., & Tyler, T. R. (Eds.). (1996). Trust in organizations: Frontiers of theory and research. London: Sage.
52.
Leana, C.R., & Van Buren, H.J.I. (1999). Organizational social capital and employment practices. Academy of Management Review, 24(3), 538.
53.
Lee, H., & Choi, B. (2003). Knowledge management enablers, processes, and organisational performance: An integrative view and empirical examination . Journal of Management Information Systems, 20(1), 179-228.
54.
Levin, D.Z. (1999). Transferring knowledge within the organization in the R&D arena. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
55.
Levin, D.Z., & Cross, R. (2004). The strength of weak ties you can trust: The mediating role of trust in effective knowledge transfer. Management Science, 50(11), 1477-1490.
56.
Levin, D., Cross, R., Abrams, L., & Lesser, E. (2002). Trust and knowledge sharing: A critical combination . New York: Somers.
57.
Lewicki, R.J., & Bunker, B.B. (1996). Developing trust in work relationships. In R. M. Kramer & T. R Tyler (Eds.), Trust in organizations: Frontiers of theory and research (pp. 114-139). London: Sage.
58.
Lewis, J.D., & Weigert, A. (1985). Trust as a social reality. Social Forces, 63(4), 967-986.
59.
Lin, N. (1999). Social Networks and status attainment. Annual Review of Sociology, 25, 467-487.
60.
Lin, N. (2001). Social capital: A theory of social structure and action. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
61.
MacCurtain, S. (2005). An exploration of the determinants of innovation; The top management team, organisational climate and organisational learning. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
62.
Marsden, P.V., & Campbell, K.E. (1984). Measuring tie strength . Social Forces, 63(2), 482-501.
63.
Mayer, R.C., & Davis, J.H. (1999). The effect of performance appraisal system on trust for management: A field quasi-experiment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84, 123-136.
64.
Mayer, R.C., Davis, J.H., & Schoorman, F.D. (1995). An integrative model of organisational trust. Academy of Management Review, 20, 709-734.
65.
McFall, L. (1987). Integrity. Ethics, 98, 5-20.
66.
McCarthy, A., & Garavan, T. (2008). Team learning and metacognition: A neglected area of HRD research and practice. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 10, 509-524.
67.
Meyerson, D., Weick, K.E., & Kramer, R.M. (1996). Swift trust and temporary groups. In R. M. Kramer & T. R. Tyler (Eds.), Trust in organizations: Frontiers of theory and research (pp. 166-195). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
68.
Nahapiet, J., & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital, intellectual capital and the organisational advantage. Academy of Management Review, 23, 242-266.
69.
Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge creating company. New York: Oxford University Press.
70.
Paldam, M. (2000). Social capital: One or many? Definition and measurement . Journal of Economic Surveys, 14(5), 629.
71.
Putnam, R.D. (1993). Making democracy work: Civic traditions in modern Italy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
72.
Putnam, R.D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. New York: Simon & Schuster.
73.
Ring, S.M., & Van de Ven, A. (1992). Structuring cooperative relationships between organisations. Strategic Management Journal, 13, 483-498.
74.
Robinson, S.L. (1996). Trust and breach of the psychological contract . Administrative Science Quarterly, 41, 574-599.
75.
Rotter, J. (1980). Interpersonal trust, trustworthiness and gullibility . American Psychologist, 35, 1-7.
76.
Sadler-Smith, E. (2006). Learning and development for managers: Perspectives from research and practice. Oxford, UK: Blackwell.
77.
Schoorman, F.D., Mayer, R.C., & Davis, J.H. (1996, April). Empowerment in veterinary clinics: The role of trust in delegation. Paper presented at the 11th annual meeting of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology , San Diego, CA.
78.
Scott, J. (2001). Social network analysis: A handbook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
79.
Senge, P. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organisation. New York: Doubleday.
80.
Shapiro, D., Sheppard, B.H., & Cheraskin, L. (1992, October). Business on a handshake. Negotiation Journal, 8, 365-378.
81.
Storberg-Walker, J., & Gubbins, C. (2007). Social networks as a conceptual and empirical tool to understand and "do" HRD. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 9, 3, 291-310.
82.
Tjosvold, D. (1991). Team organization: An enduring competitive advantage . Chichester, UK: Wiley.
83.
Tsai, W., & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital and value creation: The role of intrafirm networks. Academy of Management Journal, 41, 464-476.
84.
Van der Heijden, K., Bradfield, R., Burt, G., Cairns, G., & Wright, G. (2002). The sixth sense: Accelerating organisational learning with scenarios. Chichester, UK: Wiley.
85.
Vygotsky, L.S. (1962). Thought and language. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
86.
Wasserman, S., & Faust, K. (1994). Social network analysis: Methods and applications . New York: Cambridge University Press.
87.
Weber, L.R. (1998). On constructing trust: Temporality, self disclosure, and perspective-taking. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 18(1), 7-25.
88.
Weinstein, M.B. (2004, March). An investigation of CEO's learning experiences: Implications for leadership training. Paper presented at the Academy of Human Resource Development International Conference, Austin, TX.
89.
Wittgenstein, L. (1953). Philosophical investigations. Oxford, UK: Basil Blackwell.
90.
Zand, D.E. (1972). Trust and managerial problem solving. Administrative Science Quarterly, 17, 229-240.
