Innovation Communication In Multicultural Networks: Deficits In Inter-cultural Capability And Affect-Based Trust As Barriers To New Idea Sharing In Inter- Cultural Relationships

Innovative solutions to pressing global problems require effective inter-cultural communication. The authors propose that a barrier to the sharing of ideas pertinent to innovation in inter-cultural relationships is low affect-based trust, which arise from individuals' deficits in inter-cultural capability. Results from a study of sample of executives' professional networks indicate that individuals lower in inter-cultural capability are less likely to share new ideas in inter-cultural ties but not intra-cultural ties. This effect is mediated by tie-level affect-based trust but not cognition-based trust. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.