Trust and trust-linked elements in the formation of tourism networks in Brazil and Spain

Abstract

While there is evidence of the positive influence of trust in cooperation development, in situations where trust is unfeasible, trust-linked elements are needed. In this investigation, trust-linked elements are considered to be contracts, supporting institutions (SIs), and reciprocity. This research aims to determine the role of trust and/or trust-linked elements in the formation of tourism business networks of Brazil and Spain. A quantitative study, using structural equation modelling, was carried out on a sample of 307 lodging companies. The results show that trust remains a key element in the composition of both Brazilian and Spanish business networks, although trust alone may not sufficiently explain collaboration in the tourism industry. This strengthens the argument for employing trust-linked elements to promote cooperation. Contracts and SIs substitute trust, whereas reciprocity complements it. SIs, in particular, play a crucial role in fostering cooperation, without requiring trust or incurring transaction costs, which is a less obvious but nonetheless important service. Networks in tourism destinations are often diverse and adaptable, suggesting that cooperation is idiosyncratic and an ongoing, dynamic process. This investigation concludes that decision-making for enhancing networking capabilities must consider various possibilities aligned with the social embeddedness of the companies in the corresponding tourism destination.

KEYWORDS:

• Trust
• territorial clusters
• business networks
• cooperation
• hotels
• Brazil
• Spain

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Direct measures are assessed through a direct question to the respondent as to whether they trust a partner or not.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful for the financial support given by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES, Finance Code 001 (Project PGCI 035/2013) and by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq (Projects 302336/2016-8, 403812/2021-6, 308051/2022-0), as well for the institutional support by the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), University of Brasília (UnB) and Universitat Jaume I (UJI). This work was also supported by MCIN / AEI /10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, UE under Grant PID2021-126516NB-I00.

Notes on contributors

David Leonardo Bouças da Silva

David Leonardo Bouças da Silva He is a Professor at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Federal University of Maranhão (DETUH/UFMA). He has a PhD in Business Administration (PPGA/UnB) with international internship program at Jaume I University (UJI) (Spain) and a Master's in Sustainable Development (CDS/UnB). Main research interests: tourism strategy, sustainable tourism, human resources management and cooperation networks.

Valmir Emil Hoffmann

Valmir Emil Hoffmann He is a Full Professor at the Department of Accounting/Graduate Program in Accounting and Finance, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). He has a PhD in Business Administration (University of Zaragoza-Spain). Main research interests: Strategy, competitiveness, interorganizational relationships and resilience mainly linked to themes such as networks, clusters and business performance.

Luis Martínez-Cháfer

Luis Martínez Cháfer He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Business Administration and Marketing, Jaume I University, Castelló, Spain. He has a PhD in Business Administration (Jaume I University). Main research interests: social networks analysis, inovation, knowledge sharing, social capital and industrial clusters.