It Takes Two to Tango: An Interdependence Analysis of the Spiraling of Perceived Trustworthiness and Cooperation in Interpersonal and Intergroup Relationships

• Main Authors: FERRIN, Donald L., BLIGH, Michelle C., KOHLES, Jeffrey C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2008
• Subjects: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM); Cooperation; Interpersonal and intergroup relationships; Spiral reinforcement models; Trust and trustworthiness; Human Resources Management; Organizational Behavior and Theory; Social Psychology and Interaction
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/1146; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2008.02.012
• Institution: Singapore Management University

We present three spiral reinforcement models that describe how mutual perceptions of trustworthiness and/or mutual cooperation may develop in dyadic interpersonal and intergroup relationships: a perceived trustworthiness spiral model, a cooperation spiral model, and a perceived trustworthiness-cooperation spiral model that posits a relatively more complex spiraling between trustworthiness perceptions and cooperation. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (Kashy & Kenny, 2000) analyses of data from two joint venture business simulations provided support for the spiral models in interpersonal and intergroup relationships. While all three models received some support, the perceived trustworthiness-cooperation spiral received the most consistent support, suggesting that trust perceptions play a crucial mediating role in the development of cooperation in both interpersonal and intergroup interactions. Overall, it does take two to tango: the development of mutual trust and cooperation involves an intricate dance that spirals over time and is fundamentally affected by partners' initial moves.