Trust-building Strategies Research Articles

Impact of trust-building strategies on investment decisions: Mediating role of the financial advisor-client relationship

Trust is a fundamental element in financial interactions, particularly in the advisory sector, influencing investment decisions and overall client satisfaction. This study aims to explore the impact of trust-building strategies on investment decisions through the financial advisor-client relationship. The research employs a structured questionnaire to gather data on trust-building strategies, the advisor-client relationship, and investment decisions. The study found that trust-building strategies, such as transparency and competence demonstration, positively influenced investor decisions. Specifically, 78% of investors reported increased confidence in their investment choices after engaging with advisors who prioritized transparency and expertise. Moreover, 85% of investors indicated a preference for advisors who demonstrated reliability and ethical conduct, leading to a stronger advisor-client relationship. The findings underscore the importance of trust in financial advisory services and suggest that enhancing trust through transparent practices can lead to more informed and collaborative decision-making processes. The study emphasizes the evolving nature of investment decision-making and proposes integrating technological innovations like AI and robo-advisors. The study provides valuable insights for financial institutions to invest in advisor training and guidance, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

The #TrustedInfo2022 dataset: States’ trust-building social media campaigns during the 2022 election cycle

Abstract We introduce a dynamic dataset of all communications by state election officials (EOs) on social media during the 2022 election cycle and develop metrics to assess the effectiveness of trust-building strategies on voter confidence. We employ quantitative manual content analysis of 10,000 organic posts from 118 state EOs’ accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter between September 10 and November 30, 2022, and code for the presence of variables that measure EOs’ efforts to combat misinformation and build trusted networks of communications. The measures we present here address two questions: (1) How much coordination was there among states in terms of incorporating the #TrustedInfo2022 campaign, promoted by the National Association of Secretaries of State, in their social media communications, and (2) How much of states’ social media communications explicitly signaled that EOs are trusted sources of information? We demonstrate the applicability of our data on research that evaluates the impact of trust-building campaigns on voter confidence in elections, which is grounded on theories of deliberative democracy and democratic listening.

Exploring the factors affecting career progression in informal faculty mentoring sessions within mentor and mentee relationships: a qualitative study

BackgroundMentoring plays a pivotal role in mentees’ professional advancement. However, the factors that affect career progression in informal mentoring relationships, especially with respect to faculty members, have not been extensively explored. This study aimed to explore the factors that affect career progression in informal faculty mentorings within mentor and mentee relationships.MethodologyA Qualitative Exploratory Study was designed and conducted from May to October 2023. Faculty members with informal mentoring relationships were recruited through purposive sampling. Seven faculty mentors and eight faculty mentees from various institutions participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were audio-recorded and verbatim transcribed. The transcripts were then analysed using NVivo Software and coded. Braun and Clark’s framework was used for the thematic analysis. The study adhered to the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist to ensure comprehensive and transparent reporting of the qualitative research process.ResultsA total of 76 codes emerged which were classified into six themes: (1) an ideal mentee, (2) an ideal mentor, (3) factors promoting the relationship, (4) the role of gender, (5) factors deteriorating the relationship, (6) overcoming barriers / trust-building strategies. Within each theme, mentor–mentee needs and behaviours were identified, which could lead to positive or deteriorating outcomes.ConclusionFactors affecting career progression in informal faculty mentoring sessions include mentees' positive mindset, internal motivation and clarity of vision, mentors' skills, reputation, and role modelling. Effective communication, trust, respect, and clear goals are also essential. Challenges, such as busy schedules, cross-gender mentoring, and societal biases, affect these relationships. Overcoming these barriers involves sharing experiences, psychosocial support, empathy, active listening, and feedback.

A multifaceted analysis of decreasing trust in health institutions in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundPublic trust is crucial during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, for the effective implementation of scientific and policy interventions. This study investigates factors contributing to the decline in trust in the health sector within the European Union during the pandemic.MethodsUsing the publicly available 2020–2022 Standard Eurobarometer dataset, we employed a "geography of trust" approach. We applied equal quantile mapping to visualise high and low trust countries and Local Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) to identify statistically significant clusters. Using a series of one-way ANOVA, we found associations between socio-economic and other variables available in the same dataset with trust.ResultsTrust in health institutions and medical staff declined in 20 of 27 EU countries from 2020 to 2022. Clear geographical clusters of Western and Central Europe as the high-trust countries and Eastern Europe as the low-trust countries emerged through mapping. One-way ANOVA revealed that contrary to several studies, age, gender, and most demographics did not vary with trust, but trust was directly associated with the satisfaction with measures taken to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and individual perceptions about their life and national affairs (p < 0.001).ConclusionHigh-trust Western European countries share characteristics in health systems, governance, and pandemic responses. Understanding this interplay could inform trust-building strategies. The persistent low trust in Eastern Europe may stem from slow government responses and requires nuanced approaches considering unique contexts. The decline in traditionally high-trust countries highlights challenges even in established social contexts. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster trust during health crises.

Pentingnya Kualitas Pelayanan dan Kepercayaan Konsumen Terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan di CV Putra Timur Farm

In the constantly shifting and challenging market landscape, one notable phenomenon is the surge in new businesses. This study focuses on examining the impact of service quality and consumer trust on customer loyalty at CV Putra Timur Farm. In the commodity business, where prices frequently fluctuate, maintaining customer loyalty is essential for business sustainability. Data for this research was collected through observations and questionnaires and analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The results of the analysis indicate that excellent service quality and high levels of consumer trust have a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty. The findings highlight the critical importance of improving service quality and building strong consumer trust to maintain and enhance customer loyalty, especially amid unpredictable price fluctuations in commodity markets. This research underscores the need for businesses to focus on service excellence and trust-building strategies to ensure long-term customer retention and overall business success

Towards a processual understanding of trust: A study of trust-building strategies of constructive journalists

Trust in news media is a hot topic in media research, and although several attempts have been made to explore it, the concept has commonly been viewed as a matter of audiences’ reception of news products. In contrast, we conceptualize trust as an integral part of all stages of the news production process and focus on the journalists’ perspective. Based on semi-structured interviews with Austrian constructive journalists, we investigate which strategies they use to improve the perception of their trustworthiness among audiences and what they want to achieve by being trusted. Trust-building strategies are identified across various stages of news production, with a notable emphasis on traditional journalistic values like objectivity, particularly in the context of separating facts from opinions to enhance audiences’ trust. Objectivity is sought through reliance on scientific sources, which are considered objective in their own right. This approach contrasts with conventional notions of objectivity in journalistic and academic discourse on constructive journalism. The findings reveal a focus on fostering trust to promote a solution-oriented approach to public issues, facilitating a more vibrant and constructive public discourse.

A trust-building model for financial advisory services in Nigeria’s investment sector

The financial advisory sector in Nigeria, while pivotal for guiding investors and enhancing market efficiency, faces significant challenges related to trust. This paper presents a comprehensive trust-building model aimed at addressing the trust deficit within Nigeria’s investment sector. The model proposes a multifaceted approach to enhance trust through improved transparency, accountability, regulatory reforms, and client education. Trust is a crucial element in financial advisory services, influencing investor confidence and market stability. In Nigeria, historical issues such as regulatory inconsistencies, information asymmetry, and instances of financial misconduct have eroded trust between advisors and clients. The proposed trust-building model emphasizes four key areas: enhancing transparency and accountability, implementing regulatory reforms, improving financial literacy among investors, and leveraging technology. Transparency can be achieved through open disclosure of fees, commissions, and potential conflicts of interest, alongside standardized reporting mechanisms. Regulatory reforms are essential for strengthening oversight and enforcing ethical standards. Improving financial literacy involves educating clients about investment options and risks, empowering them to make informed decisions. Technology plays a critical role by offering real-time updates and personalized advice through fintech platforms and AI-driven tools. Case studies from both developed and developing markets highlight successful trust-building strategies, providing valuable insights for the Nigerian context. For instance, countries with robust regulatory frameworks and advanced technological integration offer practical examples of how transparency and accountability can be effectively implemented. Nigerian case studies demonstrate instances where trust-building initiatives have led to increased investor confidence and market stability. Despite the promising aspects of the model, challenges such as institutional resistance, economic instability, and entrenched industry practices may hinder implementation. Overcoming these barriers requires a collaborative effort from regulators, financial advisors, and investors. The model's anticipated impact includes greater investor confidence, market growth, and a more stable investment environment. By addressing the core issues affecting trust and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the proposed model aims to transform Nigeria’s financial advisory sector, ultimately contributing to its long-term development and stability. Keywords: Trust-Building, Financial Advisory, Nigeria, Investment Sector

The Impact of Attachment Styles on the Depth of Self-Disclosure and Topic Selection in Initial Psychotherapy Sessions

This paper explores the significant influence of attachment styles on self-disclosure and topic selection in initial psychotherapy sessions, examining how secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns impact the therapeutic process and outcomes. Attachment theory, as developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, provides a framework for understanding the internal working models that individuals carry into therapy, affecting their openness and engagement. Securely attached clients tend to disclose more freely, facilitating stronger therapeutic alliances, while those with anxious attachment may require reassurance to mitigate fears of rejection. Avoidant clients often struggle with emotional intimacy, necessitating gradual trust-building strategies, and disorganized clients benefit from structured, trauma-informed approaches. Through case studies and research findings, the paper underscores the importance of tailoring therapeutic strategies to accommodate attachment-related dynamics, enhancing client engagement and therapeutic success. The implications for practice include the need for therapist training focused on recognizing and adapting to diverse attachment styles, fostering personalized and effective therapeutic interventions. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the intersection of attachment styles with cultural and socio-economic factors, and to develop specialized techniques for optimizing therapy based on attachment patterns.

Health tourism in Malaysia: understanding the drivers of satisfaction and revisit intention

ABSTRACT Medical tourism is a dynamic industry that seeks to improve satisfaction and foster loyalty among Arab medical tourists. This study delves into the complex experience of medical tourism among Arab patients in Malaysia by using an integrated analytical framework that examines the combined effects of quality perception and recovery experience on tourists’ satisfaction and intentions to revisit. Utilising a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling, the study collected responses from 432 Arab patients, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Conditions Analysis (NCA) to analyze the data. The findings reveal that perceived quality, especially in healthcare services and post-treatment care, significantly enhances tourist satisfaction, which directly influences their intentions to revisit. Additionally, trust emerged as a critical factor that not only strengthens the relationship between satisfaction and revisit intentions but also acts as a necessary condition for achieving high satisfaction levels. This research contributes to tourism literature by detailing the specific pathways through which service quality and recovery experience impact tourist satisfaction and revisit intentions. It provides practical insights for medical tourism providers to optimise service delivery and trust-building strategies, thereby enhancing Malaysia's reputation as a premier medical tourism destination.

Governance for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Interoperability: Questions of Trust

Although the rapidly emerging capabilities of AI bring potential benefits that could be transformative for cyber security, significant threats have emerged that continue to grow in impact and scale. One proposed solution to addressing important risks in AI is the emergence of strategies for AI governance. Yet, as this conceptual early-stage research argues, what is crucial for individuals, businesses, public institutions, including the military, and for high-risk environments, are questions concerning trust in AI governance. Will governance of AI be trusted? As an example, during 2023, several AI governance initiatives and strategies emerged, with some nation states proposing legislation while others looked to treaties and collaboration as solutions. Indeed, at a supra-national level, the United Nations expert multinational stakeholder Policy Network on AI (PNAI) formed to examine key issues in current AI governance. These include the interoperability of governance, data governance mechanisms, AI in supporting inclusion and the transition of nations. To help our understanding of trust in AI governance, the focus for this paper is limited in scope to interoperability in AI governance. Interoperability encompasses different aspects, policy initiatives (such as frameworks, legislation, or treaties), systems and their abilities to communicate and work together. The approach taken in this early-stage research is framed as questions of trust in AI governance. The paper therefore reviews the nature of different AI governance strategies developed and implemented by a range of key nation states and supra-national actors. This is followed by an evaluation of the role of trust, focused on AI governance strategies, in the context of interoperability in AI governance. Trust-building strategies are also considered, with a focus on leveraging the separate elements involved in trust-building to assist our understanding of the implementation of trusted AI governance. The contribution of this early-stage research is to highlight issues that may not be considered by the technical community and to contribute to developing a platform and a research approach that informs policy- learning for institutions, practitioners and academics.

Factors Influencing Online Shopping Behavior of Customers: A Case Study of an E-Commerce Platform

As time goes by, the advancement of technology has brought tremendous impact to all fields. Consumers’ purchasing behavior has changed due to the existence of e-commerce. This study aims to examine the factors influencing online shopping behavior by conducting a case study on Shopee. This study was carried out through data collection by using a survey questionnaire and secondary data analysis and collection obtained from other sources such as online related websites. There were 150 Shopee users who responded to the survey. The results indicated that perceived convenience emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.457), followed by perceived ease of use (β = 0.280) and perceived trust (β = 0.250). Interestingly, perceived usefulness was not found to be a significant factor (β = -0.055). These findings suggest that online businesses should prioritize convenience, user experience (UX) design, and trust-building strategies. Further research could explore the reasons behind the unexpected usefulness result and cultural influences on online shopping behavior

Understanding the Factors Affecting Trust and Security in Online Transactions for Maid Service Websites

In today's digital landscape, trust and security hold significant importance, especially in the realm of online transactions, particularly on maid service websites. This paper delves into the complex factors that influence users' perceptions of trust and security when engaging with these platforms. Through a thorough examination of existing literature and empirical analysis, this research identifies the key factors that shape users' perceptions of trust and security during online transactions within the maid service industry. The study explores various aspects, including website design, encryption protocols, payment gateways, privacy policies, and customer reviews, among others, to understand their impact on users' trust and security perceptions. Additionally, it investigates how factors like customer demographics, previous online experiences, and awareness of cybersecurity threats contribute to shaping these perceptions. Furthermore, the research delves into the strategies and best practices adopted by maid service websites to enhance trust and security. This includes implementing secure payment gateways, transparent communication channels, and robust data protection measures. The insights gained from this study provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics influencing consumer trust and security in the context of maid service websites. These findings offer valuable implications for industry practitioners to improve trust-building strategies and strengthen security measures, ultimately creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment for users. Keywords: MaidIn, Maid Service, Maid Jobs, Maid Service near me, Maid Service Project, Maid Service full Stack Web Development

Narrative literature review: Efficiency enhancement - user trust in chatbots as a tool for improving service quality by humans

Chatbots have become efficient and reliable tools for instant and real-time information dissemination. Despite their effectiveness, user trust in chatbot systems remains relatively low. A holistic approach is necessary, integrating user emotional experiences, trust-building strategies, and continuous technological refinement to maximize chatbot benefits across various sectors. This research explores the potential for selective information dissemination based on user preferences using chatbots combined with artificial intelligence. Through a narrative approach, the study reviews literature and analyzes eight articles related to chatbots' application in information dissemination. The results indicate that chatbots are efficient in providing information and can be customized for various needs, such as population services, reminder notifications, and book processing. Chatbots have the potential to enhance services and can be integrated into information systems to improve service quality. However, challenges such as reliance on high-quality data and machine learning, difficulties in understanding non-formal language or slang, and limitations in handling complex questions need to be addressed for chatbots to reach their full potential.

Partnership building for scale-up in the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative: Strategies for harnessing collaboration to accelerate impact in suicide prevention.

To evaluate the implementation and trust-building strategies associated with successful partnership formation in scale-up of the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI), an evidence-based suicide prevention intervention enhancing connection to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other resources during the military-to-civilian transition period. Scaling VSI nationally required establishing partnerships across VA, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and diverse public and private Veteran-serving organizations. We assessed partnerships formalized with a signed memorandum during pre- and early implementation periods (October 2020-October 2022). To capture implementation activities, we conducted 39 periodic reflections with implementation team members over the same period. We conducted a qualitative case study evaluating the number of formalized VSI partnerships alongside directed qualitative content analysis of periodic reflections data using Atlas.ti 22.0. We first independently coded reflections for implementation strategies, following the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) taxonomy, and for trust-building strategies, following the Theoretical Model for Trusting Relationships and Implementation; a second round of inductive coding explored emergent themes associated with partnership formation. During this period, VSI established 12 active partnerships with public and non-profit agencies. The VSI team reported using 35 ERIC implementation strategies, including building a coalition and developing educational and procedural documents, and trust-building strategies including demonstrating competence and credibility, frequent interactions, and responsiveness. Cultural competence in navigating DoD and VA and accepting and persisting through conflict also appeared to support scale-up. VSI's partnership-formation efforts leveraged a variety of implementation strategies, particularly around strengthening stakeholder interrelationships and refining procedures for coordination and communication. VSI implementation activities were further characterized by an intentional focus on trust-building over time. VSI's rapid scale-up highlights the value of partnership formation for achieving coordinated interventions to address complex problems.

Trust building strategies for virtual leaders in the post pandemic era

The coronavirus pandemic has sent an important message that future project teams need to be trained to work under virtual conditions, which has already become the new norm in organizations across the world. As organizations increasingly rely on virtual teams to achieve project objectives, it is essential to comprehend how leadership functions in virtual project teams. The purpose of this research is to analyze the leadership strategies used by project managers for building trust in virtual project teams. This convergent parallel mixed method research was conducted by surveying 185 virtual leaders and conducting a semi-structured interview with 13 senior virtual leaders involved in managing projects across the industry sectors. The research findings indicate that establishing trust was ranked as significant challenges in leading virtual project teams in the post-pandemic era. Additionally, the research findings recommend that virtual leaders need to strive to build a high-trust environment to improve the effectiveness of virtual project teams. As the project management profession struggles with low project success rates, mixed-method research aims to contribute to the knowledge in the growing research area of virtual project leadership. This research contributes to the knowledge by offering first-person accounts from senior virtual leaders on the innovative strategies they had implemented for building trust in the virtual project when there were limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction on account of the pandemic.

Effective Management of Construction Project Team: Identifying Leadership Qualities and Responsibilities

Leadership within construction project teams is a critical aspect of effective project management, yet a comprehensive understanding of essential leadership qualities and responsibilities remains elusive in academic discourse. This research addresses this gap by identifying key leadership characteristics crucial for the efficient management of construction teams. The study objectives include exploring essential leadership characteristics and filling the gap in the leadership literature specific to the construction industry. This study employed a qualitative data collection and analysis approach involving in-depth interviews with nine seasoned professionals from diverse construction-related roles and organizations. The findings reveal that emotional intelligence and relationship building are paramount for creating a collaborative and innovative work environment. Empowerment and inclusivity foster team initiative and diversity, although caution is warranted to mitigate potential negative impacts on role stress and unethical behavior. Recognition and appreciation of team contributions contribute to morale and motivation, while continuous learning encourages adaptability and growth. Precise goal setting and efficient communication are foundational for focused and responsive team dynamics, while delegation and trust-building strategies promote collaboration and cohesion. Finally, prioritizing employee well-being ensures a positive and healthy work environment conducive to sustained engagement. The study contributes valuable insights into leadership characteristics vital for constructing teams' optimal functioning and management. The multifaceted nature of construction project management is highlighted, emphasizing the need for leaders to possess a diverse skill set to navigate the complexities of team dynamics in the construction industry. The findings provide actionable knowledge for practitioners and scholars, fostering a more holistic comprehension of effective ......

Catalyzing success in equity crowdfunding: trust-building strategies through signaling

Building trust is a major challenge in digital crowdfunding environments. The existing information asymmetries between fund-seeking entrepreneurs and potential investors require the implementation of signaling strategies between both economic agents in order to generate trust and incentivize investment. This study performs a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore the interplay of visual content and social networks as information cues signaling trust. The data are sourced from Startupxplore, a Spanish equity crowdfunding platform. Configurational analysis reveals a certain degree of substitutability between traditional visual cues (images, videos) and reporting presence in social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). The results show different information disclosure strategies using traditional visual cues and social networks that lead to crowdfunding success and overfunding: substitute, mixed and unique strategies. The originality of this research lies in identifying such strategies using a configurational approach that addresses the causal complexity behind success and overfunding phenomena in equity crowdfunding, and in targeting visual cues and social networks presence as signals. This entails theoretical contributions to signaling theory in digital financial environments as well as managerial implications for entrepreneurial fundraising.

Collective action dilemmas of sustainable natural resource management: A case study on land marketization in rural China

Sustainable natural resource management encompasses not only technical aspects but also the capacity and inclination for collective action. Using semi-structured interview data and social network analysis, this paper assesses the characteristics of three elements of social capital (norms, communication networks, and trustworthiness) and their effects on collective action, in the context of the marketization of rural collectively-owned operating construction land (COCL) in Dingluan Town, Henan Province, China. The results reveal that villagers possess a superficial understanding of compensation schemes at the normative-level analysis, impeding effective collective decision-making. Communication network analysis exposes strong ties that may impede collective action if only information flows within villages. In contrast, weak ties serve as vital bridges promoting marketization. Additionally, we observe that groups with strong ties rely more on key actors for accurate calls to action, underscoring the importance of trustworthiness. More importantly, the results point to three dilemmas regarding land marketization in rural China: cognitive bias of norms, challenges in expressing stakeholders’ demands, and crisis of trust among key actors. We further highlight trust as a potent means of breakthrough to address these dilemmas rooted in normative, communicative, and trust-related aspects that present formidable challenges to collective action. These results provide important insights for trust-building strategies for researchers and policy promoters to solve the collective action dilemma in environmental management.

The role of governance mechanisms in trust-building strategies: A comparative analytical study in public and private banks

The study aims to build a model that enhances trust-building for public and private banks to compare and determine the significant differences between public and private banks, by testing the impact of governance mechanisms (transparency, accountability, justice, independence, and social responsibility) (Agere, 2000) on trust-building strategies (trust and trust building, people management, work relations, training and development, leadership practices, and communications) (Ngalo, 2011; Stone et al., 2005), to indicate the level of employees’ awareness of the theoretical contents of the two variables and their importance to banking work, with the aim of improving performance. The main question is the role of governance mechanisms in supporting trust-building strategies. The questionnaire was distributed to two stratified random samples, the first in public banks consisting of 62 individuals and the second in private banks consisting of 61 individuals. It followed the descriptive analytical comparative approach. One of the most important results is that there are significant differences between the two samples, and the weight is weighted in favor of public banks in relation to trust-building strategies with customers. Despite the use of outdated working methods, the conclusions pointed to the tangible role of governance mechanisms in supporting trust-building strategies.

Beyond language proficiency: Navigating EFL teachers’ relationship skills competence through their perceptions and strategies in the classroom

The primary objective of this research was to explore the relationship skills competence of EFL teachers by means of scrutinizing their perceptions and strategies within the classroom. To achieve this, multiple interviews, including one semi-structured written and four focus group interviews, were conducted with 19 EFL teachers in Iran, who were selected through convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using three coding cycles of grounding theory, i.e., open, axial, and selective coding. The study uncovered three main components that encapsulated the participants' perceptions: establishing a productive and optimistic relationship, creating a supportive climate, and maintaining explicit communication, and three major categories for their strategies: trust-building strategies, positive communication behaviors, and communicating good information. In conclusion, the findings highlighted the centrality of rapport-building strategies in the EFL context, which have some practical implications for EFL teacher candidates in enhancing their interpersonal skills for establishing constructive teacher-student relationships.