The dynamic interplay of trustworthiness and state suspicion in teams over time: A panel analysis

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between perceptions of trustworthiness and state suspicion over time. A total of 195 participants composing 39 teams completed an interdependent computer-mediated team task. Assessments of trustworthiness and state suspicion were taken at three points of time. A panel analysis allowed us to assess perceived trustworthiness and state suspicion over time to determine whether these processes develop independently or if they influence one another. Our analyses indicated separate but related processes. Ratings of trustworthiness did not appear to influence ratings of state suspicion over time. However, initial ratings of state suspicion (Session 0) appeared to influence ratings of trustworthiness in the subsequent session (Session 1), although it was only marginally significant. In addition, the constructs were modestly related at each point in time considered.

Keywords

• trust
• suspicion
• structural equation modeling
• panel analysis