Trust-based Relationships Research Articles

Exploring the pathway to innovation: the mediating role of employee engagement in the Trust-Creativity Nexus

ABSTRACT This study investigates how employee engagement mediates the relationship between trust and creativity within local government agencies in Ranong Province, Thailand. The research collected data from 401 participants across 31 units, including one Provincial Administrative Organization, two City Municipalities, five Town Municipalities, and 23 Sub-district Administrative Organizations. This diverse sample provides a strong foundation for exploring how trust in supervisors influences employee creativity, with employee engagement serving as a key mediator. By employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through Smart PLS, the study demonstrates that employee engagement positively impacts creativity, which in turn fosters trust-based relationships that drive organizational innovation. The findings offer valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for stimulating innovation in local government units, not only in Thailand but also in other global contexts.

“Surviving against the odds. The impact of peer support workers on a chronically suicidal adolescent in secure residential youth care: a single case report from the Netherlands”

ABSTRACT Background The use of peer support workers to support suicidal adolescents is underdeveloped. This study focuses on the effects of a one-year intervention with peer support workers on a chronically suicidal adolescent residing in a secure residential youth care facility in the Netherlands. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms that underpin the role of peer support workers in detail. Method This study employed a single case study design. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with staff, peer support workers, and a chronically suicidal adolescent. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis. Results The results indicate that the suicidal tendencies of the adolescent decreased significantly one year after the peer support intervention compared to the initial baseline. Working mechanisms that underpinned the peer support intervention emphasized building meaningful and trust-based relationships, providing recognition and hope, and practical support from a recovery-oriented perspective. Conclusion The results suggest that peer support has a beneficial impact on the adolescent and treatment teams. Peer support workers contribute to a sense of belonging and connection, coping with suicidality, rediscovering life goals, and improving adolescent self-management. Barriers and facilitators to implementing peer support workers are also discussed.

Europol 25, Hungary 20

Aim: Europol has evolved over the last quarter of a century, as its legal framework has changed in line with EU requirements, and its tasks have expanded and its network of contacts has become more extensive. Methodology: Beyond the national offices of EU Member States, close cooperation is now possible across several continents through operational, strategic and working agreements with third countries. Findings: The unique use of a liaison officer system and participation in joint investigation teams helps to build trust-based relationships. Over the years, several specialised crime centres have been set up. Value: In Hungary, the design of the national unit has been developed in line with EU expectations and has adapted continuously over the last twenty years to the changes at Europol.

Europol 25, Magyarország 20

Aim: Europol has evolved over the last quarter of a century, as its legal framework has changed in line with EU requirements, and its tasks have expanded and its network of contacts has become more extensive. Methodology: Beyond the national offices of EU Member States, close cooperation is now possible across several continents through operational, strategic and working agreements with third countries. Findings: The unique use of a liaison officer system and participation in joint investigation teams helps to build trust-based relationships. Over the years, several specialised crime centres have been set up. Value: In Hungary, the design of the national unit has been developed in line with EU expectations and has adapted continuously over the last twenty years to the changes at Europol.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional Wealth Management Services vs. AI-Based Wealth Management Software

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the wealth management industry. This paper compares traditional wealth management with AI-based solutions to assess their value to customers, focusing on factors like cost, customization, accessibility, performance, and accuracy. Traditional wealth management offers personalized human interaction, expert advice, and tailored financial planning but often comes with higher costs and limited scalability. In contrast, AI-based wealth management uses advanced algorithms and data analytics for scalable, efficient, and cost-effective services, though it may lack the personal touch of human advisors. The study finds that traditional wealth management excels in comprehensive planning and trust-based relationships, crucial for clients with complex needs. AI-driven solutions enhance accessibility and affordability, providing sophisticated insights to a wider audience. However, concerns about personalization quality and data reliance remain. The research suggests that a hybrid model combining traditional and AI-based approaches may offer the best solution, leveraging AI’s efficiency while maintaining personalized service and expert advice. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights for financial planners, identifying strategies to enhance value in the evolving wealth management field. Keywords: Wealth Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Planning, AI-based Solutions, Personalized Financial Advice, Hybrid Wealth Management.

Women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria: formal versus informal credit schemes

PurposeThis study examines why low-wealth women entrepreneurs forgo mobile enabled money services and government supported micro finance for informal, community-based revolving loans in rural Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis of 25 interviews with women in rural, south-west Nigeria. Entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, in the gendered context of micro finance and community-based lending, is employed.FindingsThis study explains the paradox of forgoing seemingly accessible mobile enabled credit, and formal credit schemes (e.g. micro-finance programs) for informal, one-on-one borrowing. Convenience and trust-based relationships with respected community members ease the burden of time scarcity and vulnerability associated with formal capital. Flexible terms, autonomy, self-reliance and knowing who one is dealing with make Esusu a preferred source of finance. Findings are discussed in the context of gendered entrepreneurial ecosystems in which participants conduct business.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is not representative of women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria. Survivorship bias is acknowledged. Further research is needed on the psychological risks of informal capital and the benefits of community-based lending.Practical implicationsMeasures to scale mobile enabled credit, without commensurate interventions to address time management and other structural issues that confront women traders, limit their utility and impacts. Power differentials between women traders and lenders must also be considered in the design of lending products. Training of women traders and formal lenders should incorporate curricula about gender gaps in capital markets and systematic gender challenges to support entrepreneurs who seek to grow beyond subsistence enterprises.Originality/valueThis study documents decision criteria that motivate informal rural women traders to employ community-based revolving credit or Esusu. Findings inform measures to increase women entrepreneurs' access to capital in a rural sub-Saharan Africa contexts.

Green Supplier Selection Using Advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tools

In today’s competitive and environmentally conscious industries, the ability of organizations to adapt and respond is more important than ever. This study focuses on overcoming the obstacles faced by the Iranian automobile sector by highlighting the significance of incorporating green supply chain techniques. The research intends to integrate organizational operations with environmental sustainability goals by utilizing a MULTIMOORA strategy for supplier selection. The Iranian automobile sector, facing substantial environmental challenges, requires a strategy framework for selecting environmentally friendly suppliers in order to sustain competitiveness and fulfill ecological obligations. The study develops a supplier selection model based on extensive research and expert knowledge. The Delphi and MULTIMOORA techniques are employed to assess and prioritize suppliers according to green criteria, assuring conformity with environmental goals. Data are collected by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and engaging in conversations with industry experts in order to acquire information for the construction of the model. The results emphasize the crucial significance of trust-based relationships with suppliers, rigorous compliance with quality standards in new product development, and substantial investment in employee training and development. Sector analysts view these characteristics as crucial for promoting sustainability and gaining a competitive advantage in the Iranian vehicle sector. This study provides firms with strategic instruments to effectively negotiate the intricacies of green supply chain management, with a particular focus on the need for adopting sustainable practices while selecting suppliers in the dynamic and competitive context of the Iranian automobile industry.

A trust based framework for the envelopment of medical AI

The importance of a trust-based relationship between patients and medical professionals has been recognized as one of the most important predictors of treatment success and patients’ satisfaction. We have developed a novel legal, social and regulatory envelopment of medical AI that is explicitly based on the preservation of trust between patients and medical professionals. We require that the envelopment fosters reliance on the medical AI by both patients and medical professionals. Focusing on this triangle of desirable attitudes allows us to develop eight envelopment components that will support, strengthen and preserve these attitudes. We then demonstrate how each envelopment component can be enacted during different stages of the systems development life cycle and demonstrate that this requires the involvement of medical professionals and patients at the earliest stages of the life cycle. Therefore, this framework requires medical AI start-ups to cooperate with medical professionals and patients throughout.

Polish adaptation, psychometric properties and validation of Physician’s Trust in the Patient Scale (PTPS)

Mutual trust is considered one of the critical aspects of building a successful doctor-patient relationship. Albeit patient trust in physicians has been widely explored by researchers, physician trust in patients remains neglected, which is reflected by the lack of existing tools to assess this construct. Therefore, we aimed to validate and adapt Thom’s Physician’s Trust in the Patient Scale (PTPS) in Polish. We conducted a survey-based study among 307 medical doctors. To determine the factor structure of the scale, both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. The two-factor solution was established for the scale in accordance with the original version. To determine the internal reliability and consistency of the scale, we measured Cronbach’s alpha, corrected-item total correlation, and discrimination indices—all of them obtained very good or excellent values. Estimates of convergent and discriminant validity reached all suggested thresholds. The scale also performed well in theoretical validity. Together, these findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation and validation of PTPS are satisfactory and that the tool can find practical and scientific applications. We believe that the scale can substantially add to our understanding of building trust-based relationships and rapport between patients and physicians.

Challenges of Conducting Qualitative Social Work Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to explore the challenges faced by researchers conducting social work research using qualitative research methods during the pandemic period. As part of the qualitative descriptive research methodology employed in this study, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 15 participants who utilized qualitative research methods in the field of social work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data, and MAXQDA 22 software was used for that process. As a result of the analysis, the following two main themes were identified: the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic reflected in the planning phase of social work research, and the challenges reflected in the data collection process. The research findings revealed that the characteristic of the COVID-19 pandemic that prioritizes the physical distance between people, and the structure of qualitative social work research prioritizing mutual interaction, trust-based relationships, observation, and making the experiences of disadvantaged groups visible do not align, which brings many challenges to the process of conducting online or face-to-face qualitative social work research during the pandemic.

Impact of social capital and perceived empowerment on burnout in health employees: A study in the shadow of the COVID-19.

Social capital is an important resource that enables employees to build trust-based relationships with other individuals and groups in the workplace. Although the evidence reveals the effect of employee empowerment on burnout, the moderator role of social capital in this relationship is still unexplored. However, considering the health employees who have mental health problems and increased dissatisfaction with the COVID-19 epidemic, the importance of determining the antecedent factors that may affect burnout plays an even more critical role. The effect of the epidemic process on the burnout level of health employees was examined. In addition, the effect of employee empowerment on burnout was examined and the moderate role of social capital was evaluated. A total of 492 health employee completed the measures of social capital, perceived empowerment, and burnout. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the moderate variable. Dawson slope were used to visualize the results. The burnout levels of health employees were low (2.00±1.34). Social capital had a moderating effect on the negative effect of employee empowerment on burnout (β= 0.191). Apart from that, employee empowerment (β= -0.192) and social capital (β= -0.508) were negatively associated with burnout level (p < 0.05). These results are expected to provide useful recommendations to management in the health sector to reduce burnout among health employees by focusing on social capital and employee empowerment.

The mediating role of brand trust in the effect of social media marketing on repurchase behaviour

This study investigates the impact of social media marketing activities on consumer repurchase behaviours and the mediating role of brand trust in this process. Analyses indicate that the use of social media platforms enhances consumers' trust in brands, and this trust, in turn, strengthens their intentions to repurchase, creating a positive effect. The findings underscore that social media marketing activities can generate significant value for businesses by boosting consumer interaction and brand trust. This research provides substantial evidence of brand trust's positive and meaningful impact in the relationship between social media marketing and repurchase behaviour and how social media marketing strategies can indirectly influence consumer behaviours. Hence, the study suggests that businesses should design their social media marketing strategies to establish solid and trust-based relationships with consumers, highlighting that this approach can positively affect consumers' repurchase behaviours. These findings demonstrate the strategic importance of social media marketing activities for businesses and how brand trust can be leveraged to maximize benefits from these activities.

Towards a framework for repairing stakeholder trust in entrepreneurial small businesses in times of macro-level crises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how managers in entrepreneurial small businesses (ESBs) deal with exogenous (macro) crises, particularly in relation to the breakdown of intra- and inter-stakeholder trust.Design/methodology/approach Utilising a qualitative approach, we draw lessons from Greek ESBs greatly affected by the 2008–2019 economic and 2020–2022 health crises. Based on 54 in-depth, longitudinal investigations of four ESBs at three time points, this research offers insights on overcoming organisation-stakeholder trust breakdowns that emerg due to crises.Findings The findings suggest that macro-level crises undermined the foundations of trust-based relationships, creating a trust gap between organisations and their stakeholders and threatening ESBs’ business practices. Our framework suggests that ESBs repair trust relationships, both intra- and inter-organisational, through sense-making of trust breakdown, implementing trust-repair strategies, and then maintaining trust in those stakeholder relationships through challenging crisis periods.Practical implications Practitioners can use the suggested framework in relation to overcoming intra- and inter-stakeholder trust breakdowns during macro-level crises.Originality/value The paper offers a new framework that can aid entrepreneurs and managers in making sense of repairing and maintaining trust in stakeholder relationships during turbulent times.

Development of a User-friendly Health Promotion Website to Spread Evidence-based Information in Italy.

Appropriate communication models and strategies are crucial in order to strengthen preventive and health promotion interventions via digital platforms. Today, 52.23% of the Italian population use the Internet as a source of health-related information. The aim of the "Insegna Salute" project was to create a website that would enable people to satisfy their knowledge health needs and increase their awareness in the field of prevention. To develop the website, a qualitative literature research was carried out to collect an overview of effective online health communication strategies and tools before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, we implemented the website insegnasalute.it according to the one-to-many (screen-to-face) communication model. The second part of the research focused on identifying tools to ensure the constant update of the platform. Finally, we proceeded with the creation of the visual identity. The research resulted in 28 sources regarding health communication, vaccine hesitancy, online health information seeking, visual identity, current digital and social trends and mis/disinformation. Many publications reported that healthcare professionals (HCPs) are the main providers of evidence-based information and the most effective agents against misinformation. Furthermore, most of the articles advocated the use of digital technologies, such as social media and websites, along with proactive and targeted communication strategies. Vaccination hesitancy and other health prevention issues require accurate tools to build trust-based relationships between users and healthcare professionals. In line with the preventive guidelines issued by the Italian Ministry of Health, new tools, such as "Insegna Salute", integrate health knowledge with communication strategies. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive measures are essential to protect the population from misinformation spread and the probability of getting ill.

Advancing integrated paediatric care in Australian general practices: Qualitative insights from the SC4C GP-paediatrician model of care.

The Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C) is a general practitioner (GP)-paediatrician integrated model of care that consists of co-consulting sessions and case discussions in the general practice setting, with email and telephone support provided by paediatricians to GPs during weekdays. This model was implemented in 21 general practices in Australia (11 Victoria and 10 New South Wales). Our study aimed to identify the factors moderating the implementation of SC4C from the perspectives of GPs, general practice personnel, paediatricians and families. We conducted a qualitative study as part of the mixed-methods implementation evaluation of the SC4C trial. We collected data through virtual and in-person focus groups at the general practices and phone, virtual and in-person interviews. Data was analysed using an iterative hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Twenty-one focus groups and thirty-seven interviews were conducted. Overall, participants found SC4C acceptable and suitable for general practices, with GPs willing to learn and expand their paediatric care role. GPs cited improved confidence and knowledge due to the model. Paediatricians reported an enhanced understanding of the general practice context and the strain under which GPs work. GPs and paediatricians reported that this model allowed them to build trust-based relationships with a common goal of improving care for children. Additionally, they felt some aspects, including the lack of remuneration and the work and effort required to deliver the model, need to be considered for the long-term success of the model. Families expressed their satisfaction with the shared knowledge and quality of care jointly delivered by GPs and paediatricians and highlighted that this model of care provides easy access to specialty services without out-of-pocket costs. Future research should focus on finding strategies to ensure the long-term Implementation of this model of care with a particular focus on the individual stressors in general practices.

The design of opportunities for civil servants’ inter-departmental networking behavior

Extant research has identified individual, organizational, and environmental level attributes that shape the variation in public managers’ external networking behavior. It theorized that public managers’ networking behavior is instrumentally motivated by resource deficiencies. We postulate that beyond motivation, managers’ and civil servants’ networking behavior is shaped by the structuring of opportunities for interaction ensuing from HRM policies and the spatial design of government offices. Employing a mixed-method blend of survey and focus groups with low- and mid-level Israeli civil servants in the first eight years of employment, we analyze whether and how opportunities, ensuing from their mode of recruitment and training, mobility between departments, and work at geographically central government offices enable their exchange with colleagues from other departments. We further show that underlying the association between opportunities for interaction and external networking behavior is civil servants’ sense of shared language and outlook and trust-based relations.

Voice Behaviours within Cooperatives. The Importance of the Relational Aspects of Leadership and Integrative Mechanisms for Loyalty

AbstractThis study explores the dynamics of cooperatives, with a focus on the internal challenges associated with sustaining democratic governance and promoting active member participation. The emphasis is on individual-level participation within the workplace, an often-neglected aspect in cooperative literature. An empirical model examines how member loyalty influences constructive and destructive voice behaviours. Leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship and integrative mechanisms are the proposed mediators in this context. Analysing data from 301 members of 19 worker cooperatives in Italy revealed different mediating effects through LMX, integrative mechanisms and a combined sequence. These findings enrich the cooperative literature by highlighting the importance of loyalty and voice behaviours in regenerating cooperative principles and member participation. The study also underscores the role of interpersonal relationships in affecting operational processes and explaining members’ loyalty and participation dynamics, proposing suggestions for cooperative management upholding democratic governance rooted in trust-based relationships, organic organisational models and mutual values.

The interplay of social capital, faith, and offender resettlement

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the intricate relationship between social capital, faith and prison-leaver resettlement, emphasising how penal voluntary sector organisations (PVSOs) aid prison-leavers in their resettlement and desistance journeys, following incarceration.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a combination of narrative and thematic analysis, data was collected from 20 prison-leavers in England through semi-structured interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants from various community-based resettlement settings.FindingsThematic analysis revealed the emergence of faith in various iterations in facilitating desistance, Transforming Rehabilitation failure, identity transformation of the prison-leaver, the role of social capital in effective resettlement and the importance of PVSOs. In particular, the findings demonstrate the vital role of a “Faith Anchor”, defined in this paper as a trust-based relationship with an individual or spiritual entity, in facilitating desistance. This paper argues the need to recognise and fully integrate social capital building, faith and specialised support from PVSOs, as essential components of successful offender resettlement and desistance journeys.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considers the connection between faith, social capital and offender resettlement. Although demonstrating the role of faith in positive change and community engagement, there are limitations. Primarily, by exclusively recruiting participants through PVSOs, it might overlook varied resettlement experiences. Additionally, measuring desistance is complex and is limited by some academic views that it centres around abstinence. Although small-scale saturation was reached; generalisation should be approached with caution. Notably, post-Transforming Rehabilitation, the human cost of resettlement gaps became evident. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal lens, tracing desistance beyond initial PVSO interactions and offering richer, longitudinal insights.Practical implicationsSignificance of “faith anchors”: A “faith anchor” aids the desistance process. Integrating faith in resettlement offers emotional support for prison leavers. Value of social capital: It is pivotal for offender resettlement. Positive social networks are key for successful reintegration. Role of PVSOs: They provide vital resettlement support. Enhanced collaboration can optimise assistance for prison leavers. Addressing current system shortcomings: Rectifying the effects of Transforming Rehabilitation ensures holistic support, catering to prison leavers’ needs. Concept of “faith exchange”: Merging faith and support offers tailored resettlement approaches, fostering effective reintegration.Social implicationsThe study underscores the social implications of effective offender resettlement strategies. The integration of “faith anchors” and social capital aids in the personal rehabilitation of prison leavers and also supports community cohesion. By acknowledging faith as indictive to building trust-based relationships, communities can reduce the stigma associated with former offenders, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Additionally, the essential role of PVSOs highlights the value of community-driven initiatives in supporting reintegration. A combined approach that combines faith, social capital and community support can reshape societal perspectives on desistance, encouraging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to offender reintegration.Originality/valueThe insights gained contribute to the evolving discourse on prison-leaver resettlement and desistance and uniquely highlight the potential of a combined approach between social capital, faith and voluntary sector support, in achieving desistance goals. The term “faith exchange” emerges from this study as an original conceptual contribution, accentuating the relationship between faith and support in resettlement and desistance.

Information sharing across institutions: Practices and barriers during public health emergencies in Ethiopia

BackgroundRapid, integrated information exchange between stakeholders is critical for effective emergency preparedness and response. However, many low- and middle-income countries face barriers to seamless data sharing. While information accessibility is recognized as important for evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation in Ethiopia, factors influencing current health information sharing practices among stakeholders involved in public health emergency management programs are unclear. This study aims to examine multi-sectoral stakeholders' perspectives and experiences with health data sharing during emergencies in Ethiopia, to identify opportunities and challenges influencing practices to strengthen the national public health emergency response system. MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted between June and August 2023, involving a survey of 169 stakeholders actively involved in PHEM programs in Ethiopia as well as 23 in-depth interviews with key informants in senior leadership or advisory roles. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and thematic analysis of qualitative transcripts. ResultsDuring emergencies, it was observed that data sharing between different entities occurred. Quantitative findings showed the predominant types of health data shared between stakeholders during emergencies included hospital data (109, 64.5 %), clinical case information, and laboratory results. Challenges limiting effective coordination included issues like limited functionality of digital health systems (75, 44 %), incompatible data formats (13, 34 %), and financial constraints (83, 49 %) and and socio-cultural barriers constrain current practices in Ethiopia. Qualitative interviews identified five themes around risk communication and inclusive alert systems. Experts emphasized tailored, multichannel outreach but noted infrastructure gaps and digital divides currently limit poorer communities' engagement. ConclusionWhile collaborative health information exchange during emergencies is recognized as important, systemic, financial, and socio-cultural barriers constrain current practices in Ethiopia. Targeted strategies including capacity building, investment in integrated data infrastructure, economic optimization through innovative financing models, trust-based relationship development, and locally relevant communication channels informed by stakeholder perspectives can optimize information accessibility, coordination, quality, and equity of healthcare services during public health emergencies.

Person-centered care as a tool to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in older adults with dementia living in residential care facilities

Among older adults living in dementia residential care facilities (RCF) behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) are common, affecting the quality of life (QOL) for the residents as well as being challenging for the staff. The person-centered care (PCC) approach addresses BPSD by giving trained staff mandate to focus on the relation and to adapt the encounter and the environment to increase QoL for the person with dementia. The aims with this study were to improve PCC, decrease BPSD and improve QOL among older persons with dementia living in RCFs, and to explore leaders' and healthcare staff's experiences of a PCC intervention. An educational program was implemented at two RCFs. Data was collected through questionnaires, from national quality registries and through focus group interviews. A significant increase in PCC and QOL at three months was seen. However, no significant difference in BPSD was seen. The interviews showed the importance of a trust-based relationship, and support from an active management to improve PCC, as well as changing old patterns and recognising competence among staff. Factors that affect implementation of PCC in RCF are discussed in the article.