Trust in organizations - Organizational, intergroup, and value research perspective

Abstract

In this overview article, we discuss the importance of trust for organizations by employing a multilevel and multidisciplinary perspective. We complement and contribute to the existing reviews by (1) considering trust not only within and between individuals and organizations, but also at the societal level, (2) bridging findings and literature from the fields of organizational, intergroup, and value research, and (3) summarizing recent research on the dynamics of trust and its development in organizations. Related to contemplating trust at various levels, we present multiple topics such as individual's tendency to trust, employees' trust in leaders, trust between groups with examples from organizational mergers and interethnic relations, and the relationship between trust and societies' economic competitiveness. We conclude by summarizing recent organizational literature about the development of trust, transfers of trust towards different levels of leadership, and reciprocity in employees' trust and fairness perceptions. In so doing, we contribute to the means to promote trust, active citizenship and socially sustainable growth of organizations and our societies.