Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Applied Psychologyarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Applied Psychology
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
addClaim

Interpersonal trust and distrust at work: Scale validation and theoretical exploration

Authors: Jessica L. Wildman; Amanda L. Thayer; Catherine Warren; Stephen M. Fiore; Eduardo Salas;

Interpersonal trust and distrust at work: Scale validation and theoretical exploration

Abstract

Abstract Interpersonal trust is one of the most widely studied topics in organizational research. One notable theoretical controversy that has remained over the decades is the potential distinction between trust and distrust. The current research advances this debate by developing and validating theory‐based measures of trust and distrust. We take an attitude theory approach to develop scales based on the Lewicki et al. (1998) conceptualization of trust and distrust. Across four studies utilizing a variety of work‐based samples and contexts, we present evidence of internal consistency, reliability, factor structure, construct validity, and criterion‐related validity. These studies support the primary theoretical assertions from Lewicki et al. that trust and distrust are distinguishable attitudes with differing nomological networks and that individuals can experience attitudinal ambivalence (i.e., the existence of both positive and negative attitudes toward the same target). Findings extend trust and distrust theory by demonstrating that competence and intent are further sub‐facets of trust and distrust attitudes and that distrust in one's supervisor at work predicts incremental variance in emotional exhaustion and counterproductive work behaviors beyond trust. Ultimately, the scale presented enables future research and practice focused on disentangling trust and distrust in the workplace.

Related Organizations
  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    1
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!