Trust Asymmetry

Definitions

Definition 1

Related Terms

• Trust (Dictionary Entry)

Quotes

In social networks it is also important to note the asymmetry of trust. For two people involved in a relationship, trust is not necessarily identical in both directions. Because individuals have different experiences, psychological backgrounds, and histories, it is understandable why two people may trust each other different amounts. While asymmetry occurs in all types human relationships, it is documented more in situations where the two people are not of equal status. For example, employees typically say they trust their supervisors more than the supervisors trust the employees. This is seen in a variety of hierarchies [40]. Even outside of hierarchies, social situations can arise with asymmetric trust. One of the more extreme instances of this is one-way trust, where circumstances force one person to trust the other, but there is no reciprocal trust [22].

...