Abstract

Drawing from a study of an informal network of women brewers, this article explores the multi-faceted role trust and single-gender membership play in strengthening collaboration and forging relationships within contemporary women-only entrepreneurial networks. It argues that trust is not only integral but also a facet without which such networks would not work effectively. It is also argued that for trust to emerge and maintain, creation of a safe environment and trust building activities - both online and face-to-face - is necessary.

While studies have been conducted on trust in networks, these are largely quantitative, gender-blind and based within large organisations. Providing an in-depth and nuanced exploration of women brewers’ experiences of belonging to a women’s informal network within a niche industry, perceived benefits as well as examining the gendered dimension of trust in networks, this article addresses this gap and argues for more qualitative research in this area. In so doing, the article furthers debates on the gendered nature of networks and trust within informal networks. It presents a six-pillar framework to further understanding of the role of trust in networks, and calls for further research into gender and trust as well as the nature of online communities in contemporary networking.