Trust Extended Defintions

We have all experienced trust in some shape or form. It allows for vulnerability, making one open to areas of there lives that they may not allow all people into. In the article, Trust and Trust Building, by Roy J. Lewicki and Edward C. Tomlinson, they discuss what trust is and it's origin and it's development. The theory on the origins of interpersonal trust can be defined in the individual propensity to trust, dimensions of trustworthy behavior, and suggest levels of trust development.

The individual propensity to trust can be seen in the old age theory that some are more likely to trust than others. This can be seen as a stable trait, and it is usually expected over time. This expectancy is earned in that of individuals with a prior social interaction. It has been identified that other individuals allow to form trust on high levels, rather than the expectancy of a few encounters.

In the dimensions of trustworthy behavior, trust in another individual, can be seen in the evaluation of their integrity. The more we see these characteristics in the person, we can allow the trust to develop. We evaluate dimensions in the ability, integrity, and benevolence of the individual.  "Ability refers to an  assessment of the other's knowledge, skill, or competency" (Lewicki & Tomlinson). In this dimension there is a recognition that there is some need to meet the trust or's expectations. Integrity is the degree in which the individual follows the principles that are acceptable to the trust or. In this dimension trust is based on past encounters, effective communication, fairness, and being consistent in word and action. Benevolence is the assessment where the individual is more concerned with the welfare to increase our interest. The motives of the trustee are that of being honest, having open communication, delegating decisions, and sharing are indicate evidence of benevolence.

The levels of trust development dimension there is a standard that trust does not grow. Recent approaches of trust imply that there is hierarchy and stages of trust. Trust will grow stronger and evolve. In the early stage, trust is a calculus-base (CBT), this is where the individual will behave in a given situation based on rewards or not being rewarded  for their behavior. CBT is mainly cognitively driven idea, and it is the judgement of the individuals actions. Then there is the identification-based trust (IBT) is where the individuals are aware of goals and values. This where trust grows to its highest level, and there is a deep sense of caring. It is very emotionally driven.