A study of trust, commitment and satisfaction across research-industry relationships

Abstract

The role of trust, commitment and satisfaction in a buyer-supplier relationship are examined within an interaction framework, so that effects between firms from each side of a buyer-supplier relationship are modelled. An empirical study is undertaken in the context of firms commercialising products (buyers) with university research entities (suppliers). By examining both sides of the relationship an understanding is developed of how interaction and perceptions of trust and commitment influence the other party's level of commitment and satisfaction in the relationship. An ordering effect is found where the actions of the suppliers influence the perceptions of the buyers. This ordering reflects the direction of intellectual property flow. Further research is required to determine the causes of this ordering effect.© 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.