zaufanie

Zaufanie is a Polish noun meaning trust or confidence, referring to a psychological state in which one party accepts vulnerability based on expectations regarding another’s benevolence, competence, and reliability. It applies to interpersonal relationships as well as to trust in institutions, systems, norms, or processes.

Etymology and usage: The term is linked to the Polish verb ufać (to trust, to rely on). Zaufanie describes the generalized belief that others will act in a trustworthy or expected manner, and it can denote both personal trust and faith in social structures such as government, media, or legal institutions.

Types and scope: Zaufanie can be interpersonal, relational, or institutional. It distinguishes domain-specific trust (trust within a particular area, such as medicine or finance) from diffuse or generalized trust (willingness to trust strangers or unfamiliar actors). Cultural and institutional contexts influence how zaufanie is formed and maintained.

Development and determinants: Trust develops through repeated positive interactions, perceived integrity, competence, and benevolence, as well as transparency, accountability, and shared norms. It is strengthened by predictability and reliability and can deteriorate after breaches or perceived deception, leading to caution and risk aversion.

Impact and measurement: Higher levels of zaufanie are associated with cooperation, efficient coordination, and lower transaction costs in social and economic life. Researchers measure trust through surveys, behavioral experiments (such as trust games), and sociological indicators, often comparing cross-cultural differences.

See also: trust, confidence, reliability, social capital, institutions.