Calibration of Trust and Distrust

Abstract

Calibration is posited to play a key role in the development and maintenance of trust and distrust, but current literature gives little clear direction on exactly how this calibration might occur. This paper proposes a preliminary model of trust calibration and explores the process in detail. More specifically, trust calibration is initiated when mismatches occur between one's expectations about the outcome of a trust decision in comparison to the actual outcome. At this point, sensemaking or an attempt to understand the violation occurs, after which responsibility for the violation is assigned. When another person is seen as culpable, an assessment of intentionality is undertaken, in which the motives of the trustee are assessed. Seeing a trustee as both responsible and as having malevolent intention sets the stage for distrust, whereas viewing this person as responsible but not malevolent simply lessens existing trust. Other factors that impact on trust calibration processes are also considered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 02, 2005
Accession Number
ADA630694

Entities

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  • Barbara D. Adams

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  • HumanSystems Incorporated

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  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

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  • Abstracts
  • Applied Psychology
  • Calibration
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  • Measuring Instruments
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  • Government and Public Administration Law.
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