ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the factors that build or reduce interpersonal trust between expatriate and Russian management and staff in western invested enterprises in Russia. The findings largely represent what makes westerners trust the Russian business environment and Russian partners more or less, and their views on the functioning of the Russian business environment and the role of trust in it. The researcher, her visit organised by Mammoth, undoubtedly made matters worse through speaking very little Russian and socialising with the westerners. At social events, key background information was gained on both western social interaction, and, for example, the changes that had taken place in the venture in its five-year history. The researcher's insecurities and challenges during the research, particularly the feelings of social inadequacy and fear of being an outsider, and the limitations this may have posed on developing relationships.
