Trust is typically portrayed as beneficial to all concerned; something which is inherently good. In this article we focus on interpersonal trust and argue that, while there are undoubted benefits, trust can also be problematic; there are circumstances in which it can become a 'poisoned chalice' for one or other of the parties involved. We question whether the potential for negative experiences in relation to trust has been fully explored and argue that its true dark side lies within the dynamics of the trust relationship. From this stance we use the social exchange and gift giving literatures to re-appraise trust in a way that highlights the importance of expectation and intent and demonstrates the circumstances in which trust may not be beneficial for one of the parties involved. We conclude with a research agenda which we believe will further develop our understanding of this complex human interaction.
KeywordsDark side of trust, manipulation, trust and gift-giving, trust relationships, unwanted obligation Trust has long been depicted as an inherently positive experience and a desirable quality which should be sought after in relationships (Fukuyama, 1995). Interpersonal trust is considered a vital social resource that can facilitate cooperation and enable co-ordinated social interaction and
In an increasingly competitive business environment, organisations have sought to increase productivity and reduce costs. The consequences of this for many employees include increased workloads, longer working hours and greater time pressures which, the evidence suggests, are linked to stress, high rates of absence and turnover. At the same time there has been an increasing emphasis on the desirability of achieving work/life balance for individuals. In pursuit of these apparently conflicting demands it has been argued that individuals must work 'smarter' rather than harder and that individuals need to develop the ability to manage their time effectively to achieve this. Yet, previous research on time management training has been limited in scope, open to criticism in terms of research approach and inconclusive in assessing the effectiveness of such training. This paper reports the results of a longitudinal and triangulated evaluation of time management training undertaken in a variety of organisational settings, which sought to establish whether the training was effective, not only from the viewpoint of the participants, but also from the perspective of their managers. The evidence, collected using quantitative and qualitative approaches, suggests that although such training is affected by context and motivation, it does have a positive impact for the majority of participants.
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