Sociological factors affecting trust development in virtual communities. (14th January 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Daneshgar, Farhad; Ho, Sharon
• Is Part Of: International journal of networking and virtual organisations. Volume 5:Number 1(2008)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2008-01-14
• Subjects: sociological factors -- trust -- trust development -- virtual communities -- VCs -- web based communities -- online communities; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Information networks -- Periodicals; Virtual corporations -- Periodicals; Electronic commerce -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 004.65
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-9503

Abstract

This study explores development of trust by people participating in Virtual Communities (VCs). The broad question in this research is to investigate common factors responsible for trust development in both virtual and physical worlds. The main sociological factors that influence trust in physical communities have been hypothesised for their contribution to the development of trust in VCs. A quantitative online survey instrument was developed and applied to an online community based on existing literature on sociology under two major categories: 'personal-level' and 'contextual-level'. Results confirmed significant contribution of the factors at both personal-level' and 'contextual-level'. Results also confirm some of the existing findings in related areas.