A system cybernetic approach to the dynamics of individual- and organizational-level trust

In this article, we argue that trust is a system-related concept and that i t is a continuously evolving state of information gathering, processing, an d feedback Based on this argument we demonstrate the usefulness of the conc eptual framework of cybernetics to an understanding of the the dynamics of developing and sustaining trust. We begin with some background information about the science of cybernetics and the basic principles relevant to this framework that enable a system to function effectively. We then use the pri nciples of cybernetics to illustrate the dynamic nature of trust within the social system of a complex organization and externally between organizatio ns in an environment. We summarize by relating our model to recent theoreti cal developments in the trust literature and by providing suggestions for f uture research using a cybernetic framework.