THE NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF WORKERS TRUST IN MANAGEMENT

This paper presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the nature of trust at work. Use is made of the facet approach to generate a def initional framework of trust, and this is proposed as a theoretical ba sis for the analysis of the structural characteristics of trust. Hypot heses regarding the relations between the definitional framework and e mpirical observations were tested by applying Smallest Space Analysis to analyse data collected from a sample of 398 colliery workmen, using questionnaires developed on the basis of the faceted definition. The results demonstrate strong support for the definitional framework sugg ested for the concept of trust and its construct validity. The results also suggest a possible distinction workers make between trust and mi strust and, between the specifics of activities to do with the job its elf versus managers in general. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.