Trust is a must in the workplace. Where does it begin? You might be surprised.
By Ashley Keating
Employees have to trust their managers, and vice versa. A good relationship between both parties boosts organizational commitment, performance, and cooperative behaviors.
But building that bond doesn’t begin with the boss—it starts with their boss, finds a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology.
The researchers found that perceived trustworthiness trickled down from higher-level positions, and this effect was heightened even further when second-level managers invited their reports to participate in managerial decision-making.
So it’s a domino effect: If you’re an HR pro, host trust development and training programs for higher-level supervisors. Those bosses will pass on their knowledge to their reports, who will keep the good vibes going down the line. If you want a well-oiled workplace, that trust is a must.
