The Science of Trust & The Implications for Practice

Besides being fundamental to personal and work relationships, trust can also enhance collaboration and partnership, and contribute to organisational success.

Scientific research on trust has accelerated dramatically over the last two decades.  This is true in the Organisational Sciences and also in many other areas, such as Behavioural Economics and Sociology.  Unfortunately, little of this research has made its way into practice so far, and many leaders tend to manage trust intuitively, without the benefit of science.

For the past 20 years, Don Ferrin, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources at the Singapore Management University (SMU) Lee Kong Chian School of Business, has focused his research career specifically on the topic of trust, aiming to understand the determinants and impact of trust in interpersonal and organisational dynamics.

In this podcast, Professor Ferrin shares his insights into how trust can be built, measured, and even repaired.  He also discusses how research findings can help organisational leaders build an environment of trust, which can bring significant benefits to the workplace and for individuals.