Collaboration in the Workplace

Running head: COLLABORATION IN THE WORKPLACE

Collaboration in the Workplace

John Bailey

University of Phoenix

Managerial Communication - COM/526

Instructor: Diane Hunt-Wagner

February 5, 2007

Abstract

Summarize the paper in 120 words or less (APA 1.07, 5.16).

Collaboration in the Workplace

Trust is essential to successful collaboration in the workplace. Trust promotes a harmonious, relaxed atmosphere where team members can flourish and be their best. A measure of trust can be expected based on the experience and expertise of the individual being trusted. However, for the most part, trust is something that must be earned. Trust is not easily given but it can be easily abused, misused, and even destroyed.

According to Hosmer (1995), the expectation by one person, group, or firm of ethical behavior, morally right decisions and actions based upon ethical principles of analysis on the part of the other person or party in an exchange, may be referred to as trust. Blau (1964, p. 99), described trust as "essential for stable social relationships." Bok (1978, p. 26) underscored this description by stating that, "when trust is destroyed, societies falter and collapse."

There does seem to be widespread agreement on the importance of trust in workplace relationships. However, it is a different matter when it comes to finding a suitable definition that is as widely acceptable. This is because the definition of trust is problematic because there are such a wide variety of approaches to the subject (Husted, 1989).

One aspect of trust is the giving up of a measure of control, which in turn, creates the need for a certain level of dependence upon the individual being trusted. Collaboration through trust in the workplace would therefore involve some level of vulnerability. Of course, there are some obvious disadvantages to being vulnerable. Risk is involved. Loss is possible. Potential risk and loss are minimized as trust is earned. Uncertainty is replaced with optimism and confidence in the individual. To this degree, trust becomes a decision, "based upon optimistic expectations or confidence about the outcome of an uncertain event, given personal vulnerability and the lack of personal control over the actions of others" (Hosmer, 1995, p. 382). The advantages, however, outweigh the disadvantages. "Trust is essential for understanding interpersonal and group behavior, managerial effectiveness, economic exchange ad social or political stability" (Hosmer, 1995, p. 379).

According to Pawlak (2007), employees aren't necessarily looking for a pal in their manager. They are, however, looking for someone they can trust. The top five answers for, "What makes a manager a people person?" are:

1. Honesty (90 percent)

2. Fairness

3. Trust

4. Respect

5. Dependability (80 percent)

When it comes to collaboration through trust in the workplace, what everyone seems to be really