Trust in schools: a conceptual and empirical analysis

Abstract

The conceptual foundations of trust as a multi‐dimensional construct are reviewed, and relevant related issues are discussed with a focus on trust in schools. An empirical analysis of faculty trust in colleagues and trust in the principal demonstrates that faculty trust is an important aspect of the openness and health of school climate. It is related to the authenticity of both the principal’s and the teachers’ behavior; however, elements of climate and behavior that predict trust in the principal are different from those that predict trust in colleagues. Finally, a research agenda for the study of trust in schools is sketched.