ABSTRACT
In uncertain times, trust becomes even more important. The Edelman Trust Barometer reported in 2012 that the global financial crisis, resultant bank failures and government rescue plans had destabilised public confidence. This led to a breakdown in trust – of governments and business. High trust organisations find it much easier to implement change. Their people are more willing and more likely to believe that changes are ultimately in their best interests. Trust is a great enabler of cooperation, teamwork and efficiency. Trust increases employees’ willingness to recommend their employer and decreases voluntary labour turnover. Conversely, low trust increases process times, increases bureaucracy and reduces visibility of what is really going on.
