Trust

Trust is a psychological state in which one party accepts vulnerability based on the expectation that another party will behave in a reliable, honest, and benevolent manner. It involves risk, because relying on someone else may incur loss or harm if that person fails to meet expectations. Trust is distinct from confidence in systems or rules, and from mere compliance; it is primarily relational and forward-looking.

In psychology and organizational theory, trust comprises cognitive and affective elements. A widely cited model identifies three core beliefs about the other party: ability (competence to perform a task), benevolence (positive intentions toward the trusting party), and integrity (adherence to principles and promises). Trust is reinforced when observed behavior matches these beliefs and when expectations are communicated and validated.

Types of trust include interpersonal trust in personal relationships and institutional trust in organizations, governments, and social institutions. Technological and informational trust concern confidence in tools, data, and algorithms. Trust can be influenced by factors such as reputation, transparency, fairness, consistency, and third-party verification.

Formation and repair: trust develops gradually through repeated interactions and evidence of reliable conduct. Breaches can erode trust; repair often requires acknowledgement, restitution, clear communication, and consistent trustworthy behavior over time. Researchers study trust using surveys and experimental paradigms, including trust games, and measure it with scales assessing perceived ability, benevolence, integrity, and overall trust.

Importance and consequences: trust reduces uncertainty and transaction costs, enabling cooperation, coordination, and social order. Low or broken trust can lead to inefficiency, avoidance, and fragmentation, while high trust supports effective governance, economic activity, and social cohesion. Cultural and contextual factors shape how trust is formed and sustained.