tillits

Tillits is a term used in some Scandinavian languages to denote trust—the expectation that others will act reliably, honestly, and with competence. It encompasses both interpersonal trust between individuals and trust in larger structures such as government, institutions, organizations, and markets. Trust of this kind is considered foundational for social cooperation and economic exchange.

Different dimensions of tillits are identified in research and policy discourse. Interpersonal trust concerns everyday interactions and personal relationships. Institutional trust relates to confidence in public institutions, legal systems, and authorities. Generalized or diffuse trust refers to beliefs about how well society functions as a whole. Digital trust has become increasingly important, covering privacy, data security, and the integrity of online services.

Factors that foster or erode tillits include transparency, accountability, competence, fairness, and consistent performance. When institutions deliver predictable outcomes, protect rights, and communicate openly, trust tends to rise. Conversely, corruption, incompetence, secrecy, or unfair treatment can weaken it, increasing transaction costs and reducing cooperation.

The concept plays a central role in governance, economics, and social life. High levels of tillits facilitate voluntary compliance, reduce monitoring needs, and support policy acceptance. In business, trust shapes customer relationships, brand value, and risk management. In society, trust is linked to social capital, cohesion, and resilience to shocks.

Scholarly work on trust spans sociology, economics, political science, and psychology. Notable themes include the formation and breakdown of trust, the balance between trust and control, and the impact of institutions on trust dynamics.