Communication Supports Trust

Trust supports communication and vice versa. People share information voluntarily, and as a consequence of trust, people are willing to share ideas and information. Interaction can be measured by the quality and extent of interaction. Varamäki and colleagues have defined the optimum level of interaction, which includes genuine dialog in an open and responsive atmosphere of reciprocal respect. Unwillingness to share ideas or comments, weak social skills, and distrust are common problems in the communication process. The rooting of ideas and allocation of feedback is easier in a trusted relationship. In a relationship that is built up by trust, cooperative behaviour and knowledge transfer are likely to happen. A lack of trust will show up as problems in communication, empowerment, and quality.

Openness builds trust, which further increases communication. The building materials of trust are also empathy, respect, interest in others, and genuine listening. Trust is based on the transaction of facts and feelings, but mere fact-based communication does not build personal relationships. Trust brings the risk that has been taken based on the feelings, others' behaviour and the conclusions about cooperation. Shared norms and morals also help to increase trust.

Ståhle and Laento have defined four types of dynamics in an interaction process: rival, critical, consensus oriented, and collaboration oriented. The rival dynamic means an argumentation of one's own competences (i.e., not being responsive to the ideas of others). In the critical dynamic, arguments and interruptions are common. Consensus-oriented communication concentrates on avoiding subjects that could produce disagreements. Genuine listening and consideration of others ideas are features of collaboration-oriented communication. The collaboration-orientated dynamic also includes readiness for shared learning and development.