An Evaluation of Individuals' Construction of Personal Trust in Organizations

An Evaluation of Individuals’ Construction of Personal Trust in Organizations by Colin Edward Armour MBA, Albertus Magnus College, 2004 MS, Albertus Magnus College, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Applied Management and Decision Science Walden University August 2016 Abstract Trust is in decline within organizations resulting from poor management and ethical indifference. Failing to address trust perceptions has led to stress between management and employees. Researchers have studied organizational trust as a constant quality within groups but have neglected the uniquely individual constructs of trust that inhibit trust-Trust is in decline within organizations resulting from poor management and ethical indifference. Failing to address trust perceptions has led to stress between management and employees. Researchers have studied organizational trust as a constant quality within groups but have neglected the uniquely individual constructs of trust that inhibit trustbuilding efforts. The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate how personal constructs of trust may affect outcomes at the organizational level among workers and managers in hierarchal structured organizations. The topics of the research questions addressed the extent which cultural values and the relative trust situation affected individuals’ perceptions of the state of trust in organizations. The recruitment strategy included 92 managers and workers over the age of 18 from the Survey Monkey Audience participation pool. The theoretical framework was Glidden’s structuration and Bandera’s social cognitive theories. The data analysis strategy involved implementing Pedhazur and Schmelkin’s procedures for multiple regressions along with effect coding. The study included a survey instrument composed of Hofstede’s Values Survey Module 2013 and Chathoth’s Trust and Employee Satisfaction Survey. The results indicated an association between social-cultural values and trust. The results from Chathoth’s Trust and Employee Satisfaction Survey indicated that the variables of integrity, commitment, and dependability all had a significant statistical association with the demographic role in the organization and with Hofstede’s quality of individualism. To enact positive social change, organizational leaders would benefit from evaluating the managerial and worker relationships indicated in the study and incorporate them into trust-building programs. An Evaluation of Individuals’ Construction of Personal Trust in Organizations by Colin Edward Armour MBA, Albertus Magnus College, 2004 MS, Albertus Magnus College, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Applied Management and Decision Sciences Walden University August 2016 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to the memory of my late wife Rita, who died in March 2011 while I was in the process of completing this work. It is also dedicated to Carol. God sent us to love and comfort each other. God connected a widower and a widow to find new happiness and joy. Carol has been very patient and supportive of me as I completed the dissertation process. Acknowledgments I wish to acknowledge the support I received along the way from Dr. Lelia Halawi, who believed in me and my dedication early in the program. When asked by a fellow instructor about my long-term outlook for the program, Dr. Halawi stated emphatically, “This person will finish his PhD program. ” I wish to acknowledge my second committee member, Dr. Anthony Lolas, for his helpful manner and guidance. I wish to acknowledge my URR committee member, Dr. Jules Klagge, for his supportive commentary. With constant support and guidance in this past year, I wish to acknowledge and express my deep appreciation to my chairperson Dr. Walter McCollum. This simple statement understates the many ways that he has helped me. In May 2015, at a dissertation intensive session in Baltimore, Dr. McCollum rescued me when I was all but down and out of the program. He has guided me and let me know that we are in the dissertation process together. His method of staying in regular contact with his mentees continues to turn enthusiasm into success. I am forever grateful to all those at Walden University and to everyone else I did not mention but contributed in some manner to the successful completion of this dissertation.