Entrepreneurial network development: Trusting in the process

An entrepreneurʹs network can provide a significant source of social capital, which, in turn, may increase a new ventureʹs likelihood of success. Entrepreneurship research has frequently examined how such networks develop, and reviewing extant studies suggests that trust plays a significant role in this process. Despite its recognized importance, limited research exists examining how trust evolves during and interacts with the entrepreneurʹs venture network development. Accordingly, we propose that an entrepreneurʹs reliance on exchange relationships based on affective and cognitive trust will vary as the entrepreneur moves through the network development process. We conclude by discussing both the modelʹs implications and future research avenues.