A study on organizational trust content in Chinese business organizations

Abstract

This study was conducted to confirm the applicability of OTC (organizational trust content) in Chinese organizations via the OTI (organizational trust inventory) developed by Cummings and Bromiley (1996). This study explored the vertical and horizontal trust relationships that exist among supervisors, subordinates and colleagues of equal standing through focused interviews and questionnaires to recognize and assess OTC. The results showed that in situations with a high degree of OT (organizational trust), three dimensions coexist namely: 1) the ability to keep commitments, 2) the ability to negotiate honestly, and 3) the ability to NTEA (not taking excessive advantage). Each dimension includes three trust elements: cognition, affection, and intended behavior. Different measuring subjects have significantly different perceptions of OTC, with subordinate recognition being the most trustworthy. At the same time, the integrity performance of colleagues is the most recognized element. Though OTC is applicable in Chinese organizations, the degree of subordinate recognition and the ability to negotiate honestly between colleagues are affected by the “respectful superior and inferior subordinate” relationship and the hierarchical authority, which exist in Chinese culture.