Trusting Remote Workers

Abstract

This chapter examines the nature of trust from a number of theoretical bases, with reference to remote workers more often referred to as teleworkers or telecommuters. It examines the relationship between a manager and the remote worker (teleworker). It is concerned with the nature and conditions of trust rather than an examination of the importance of trust or how trust can be created. As well as examining the bases of trust the chapter examines different levels of trust that can support a teleworking relationship. It draws a distinction between individual and organisational trust and between the conscious and unconscious states of trust. It concludes with a conceptual model that provides a framework to explain some of the anomalies and confusion in the debate regarding the nature of trust in teleworking arrangements. The chapter also suggests how the model may be used to analyse trust in these remote working arrangements and as a framework on which to build trust using different bases and at different levels.