Sustaining cycle of workplace trust : understanding trust development in the modern Taiwanese workplace

Abstract

Interpersonal trust is an essential aspect of many businesses today, and is often maintained by various elements, such as relationship-building in the Chinese context. Although scholars have presented various analyses and conceptual models on the effects of trust in the workplace, these paradigms often lack supporting evidence to illuminate their working mechanisms. This paper addresses this missing link and critically examines the various processes involved in trust-building in the Taiwanese workplace by testing an existing theoretical model. Interviews were conducted with a sample of working adults across different industries. Qualitative framework analysis reveals the significance of multiple components in workplace trust development and highlights its interactive processes in a new circular model. Although relationships are central to trust, it was found that cognitive aspects set its foundation. Findings also underscore the presence of Chinese values such as face, reciprocity and interpersonal relationships in trust development. Implications on modern businesses are discussed.