Realizing value of client–supplier collaboration through creolization, trust and knowledge sharing in global IT services sourcing

Purpose This study aims to explore how creolization – the collisions and interactions among different cultures, races and ethnicities – fosters client–supplier collaboration and contributes to performance in global IT services sourcing. It aims to uncover the mechanisms by which cross-cultural dynamics enhance knowledge sharing and trust. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with 369 knowledge workers involved in global IT services sourcing from 23 companies across three regions. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationships among creolization, trust, knowledge sharing and performance. Findings The results indicate that creolization indirectly improves performance through trust and knowledge sharing. Trust plays a mediating role between creolization and knowledge sharing, which in turn enhances client–supplier collaboration and performance outcomes. Originality/value This research relates the concept of creolization to trust and knowledge sharing form the perspective of knowledge management, providing new insights into how cultural diversity influences trust-building and knowledge exchange. It enriches understanding of cross-cultural knowledge flows in global IT service contexts and offers managerial guidance for fostering collaboration through cultural integration.