Can trust induce vertical integration? An experimental study of buyer–seller exchanges with distinct competencies and specific investments
通过实验研究信任在买卖双方交换中对纵向一体化的影响，发现信任既能促进市场交易，也可能在双方希望内化独特能力并避免层级失效时触发一体化。
Abstract Research has debated the merits of transaction cost and competence-based explanations of make-versus-buy choices. We advance this discussion by arguing that trust not only promotes markets by reducing the hazards of specific investments (as emphasized by previous work), but alternatively triggers vertical integration when parties would like to internalize distinctive competencies and at the same time avoid hierarchical failure. Our experimental results where players choose between markets and hierarchies lend support for this dual role of trust in boundary decisions.