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"Is It Commercially Irresponsible to Trust?"

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Abstract

This paper considers a recent U.K. legal dispute where a supplier sued a large organization, which had been a long-term customer, for breach of implied contract. It uses this case to discuss aspects of the nature of trust between organizations. The discussion encompasses a consideration of the distinction between trust and reliability; and, why the concept of blanket trust is not helpful. In conclusion, by contrasting business-to-business and personal relationships, the paper suggests that firms in their relationships with other institutions should never follow an unquestioning form of strong trust.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 5NY, U.K.

    Keith Blois

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  1. Keith Blois
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Blois, K. "Is It Commercially Irresponsible to Trust?". Journal of Business Ethics 45, 183–193 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024115727737

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024115727737

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