All relationships are based on degrees of trust.  I recently did a presentation on trust based relationships and I would like to share this online.  First, it is important to define "trust":

Trust is  “A psychological state comprising the intention to accept vulnerability based upon positive expectations of the intentions or behavior of another”

The important word in the above definition is vulnerability.  Many people are not ready to place themselves in a vulnerable position, which is a required condition for trust. 

Dimensions of Trust

There are three dimensions of trust that must also be achieved.  Ability, Integrity and Benevolence.  The more we observe these characteristics in another person, our level of trust in that person is likely to grow.  

Ability refers to an assessment of the other's knowledge, skill, or competency. This dimension recognizes that trust requires some sense that the other is able to perform in a manner that meets our expectations.

Integrity is the degree to which the trustee adheres to principles that are acceptable to the trustor. This dimension leads to trust based on consistency of past actions, credibility of communication, commitment to standards of fairness, and the congruence of the other's word and deed.

Benevolence is our assessment that the trusted individual is concerned enough about our welfare to either advance our interests, or at least not impede them. The other's perceived intentions or motives of the trustee are most central. Honest and open communication, delegating decisions, and sharing control indicate evidence of one's benevolence.

Levels of Trust

Trust builds along a continuum of hierarchical and sequential stages, such that as trust grows to "higher" levels, it becomes stronger and more resilient and changes in character.

Level 1 - Calculus Based Trust (CBT)

Individuals will carefully calculate how the other party is likely to behave in a given situation depending on the rewards for being trustworthy and the deterrents against untrustworthy behavior.

Trust will only be extended to the other to the extent that this cost-benefit calculation indicates that the continued trust will yield a net positive benefit. Over time, calculus-based trust can be built as individuals manage their reputation and assure the stability of their behavior by behaving consistently, meeting agreed-to deadlines, and fulfilling promises. CBT is a largely cognitively-driven trust phenomenon, grounded in judgments of the trustees predictability and reliability.

Level 2 - Individual Based Trust (IBT)

As individuals come to a deeper understanding of each other through repeated interactions, they may become aware of shared values and goals. This allows trust to grow to a higher and qualitatively different level. When trust evolves to the highest level, it is said to function as identification-based trust.

At this stage trust has been built to the point that the parties have internalized each other's desires and intentions. They understand what the other party really cares about so completely that each party is able to act as an agent for the other. Trust at this advanced stage is also enhanced by a strong emotional bond between the parties, based on a sense of shared goals and values.

One way to test your relationship is to look at whether you are engaging through CBT or IBT and hopefully move more towards IBT to establish a much more meaningful relationship. 

Until next time.