In the EFQM Model context, partners are considered to be any
external ally of a strategic nature with which the organisation
chooses to work, to reach common objectives and to obtain a sustained
mutual benefit (EFQM., 2013).
Companies that maintain excellent relationships with their
suppliers and partners can take advantage of synergies and can
access and exchange new or complementary knowledge, which
allow the generation of value for both parties. This exchange of
knowledge can even be obtained without having to produce
explicit knowledge, as it can be made through the exchange of
people or groups with common objectives and cultures that will be
able to work together effectively (Davenport & Prusak, 1998).
As noted previously, confidence between the partners is an
important factor that influences the effectiveness of knowledge
transfer. Confidence is associated with the belief that organisations
act coherently and according to expectations (Spekman, Spear, &
Kamauff, 2002). Confidence is closely related to the risk and protection
of knowledge. A reduction in confidence between organisations
will be translated into a greater risk of losing critical
knowledge. On the contrary, confidence will encourage the actors
to actively share their knowledge, ensuring that this will not be
used against their objectives (Linderman et al., 2004). Therefore, it