Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/39589 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2003
Series/Report no.: 
ZEI Working Paper No. B 21-2003
Publisher: 
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Zentrum für Europäische Integrationsforschung (ZEI), Bonn
Abstract: 
Inter-firm information exchange with respect to the reliability of trade partners may be unmediated in the sense that it involves direct communication between the personnel of two firms. Alternatively, this information flow may be channeled by or through an organization such as a trade association. We assess the relationship between these two mechanisms for conveying reputational information. Based on evidence from five transition countries, we find that trade associations’ role as informational intermediaries in this regard is sensitive to the geographic relationship between a potential supplier (demander) of reputational information and the firm whose behavior may be reported (acquired). What is more, the use of trade associations as conduits for reputation flows is more strategic than the use of unmediated communication in that the former is highly sensitive to the effects of market structure.
Subjects: 
reputation
information
transition
trade associations
JEL: 
D83
L2
O17
P3
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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