In organizations, Kramer (1999) identified six kinds of trust: dispositional trust, history-based trust, third-party dependent trust, category-based trust, role-based trust, and rule-based trust. I do not recall if Kramer (1999) articulated a questionnaire in support of his framework but you might wish to double-check.
Reference: Kramer, R. (1999). Trust and distrust in organizations: emerging perspectives, enduring questions. Annual Review of Psychology, 50, 569–598.
Measuring organizational trust is a complex task, as trust is a multi-faceted concept that involves various dimensions. Different researchers and practitioners use a variety of methods to assess trust within organizations. There is no single "best" measurement, but rather a combination of approaches can provide a more comprehensive understanding. Here are some common methods used to measure organizational trust:
Surveys and Questionnaires:Trust Surveys: These surveys often include questions about trust in leadership, trust among colleagues, and trust in the organization's overall mission. Trust Scales: Various scales, such as the Organizational Trust Inventory or the Trust Scale, are used to measure trust levels through a series of statements that respondents rate.
360-Degree Feedback:Collect feedback from various sources, including superiors, subordinates, peers, and sometimes even external stakeholders, to provide a more holistic view of trust.
Observation and Interviews:Qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus group discussions, can provide insights into the dynamics of trust within an organization.
Organizational Behavior:Employee behavior and engagement levels can indirectly indicate the level of trust within an organization. High levels of collaboration, open communication, and commitment are often associated with a high level of trust.
Retention and Turnover Rates:High employee retention rates and low turnover rates may suggest a positive level of trust within an organization.
Ethical Climate Assessments:Assessing the ethical climate of an organization can be an indirect measure of trust, as trust is closely tied to perceptions of fairness, transparency, and ethical behavior.
Network Analysis:Analyzing communication patterns within an organization can provide insights into trust networks and identify key influencers.
Employee Feedback Platforms:Utilizing platforms that allow continuous feedback, such as employee engagement surveys or suggestion boxes, can provide real-time data on trust levels.
Performance Metrics:Monitoring performance metrics and productivity can be an indirect measure of trust. High trust levels often correlate with increased collaboration and better overall performance.
It's important to note that trust is a subjective and dynamic concept, and measurements may vary based on the cultural context, industry, and the specific goals of the organization. Combining both quantitative and qualitative methods often provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of organizational trust.
There isn't a single "best" measurement, as it often depends on the specific context, goals, and characteristics of the organization. There are at least 10 of them. Nevertheless, regular assessments and feedback mechanisms can help track changes in trust levels over time and identify areas for improvement.
We are just developing a measure of Organisational Trust (in senior leadership) which assesses 6 factors. We are doing this in conjunction with the UK Institute of Leadership.
here is a lot to talk about regarding the topic, and since you asked, the best answer we can say is that the organization is exposed to the lowest level of risks and challenges.