Federal Employees' Peer Coworker Trust Experiences| A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study

• Main Author: Minnifield, Chadrick Lamon
• Language: EN
• Published: University of Phoenix 2017
• Subjects: Management|Public administration|Organizational behavior
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10269918

<p> Interpersonal trust between coworkers remained understudied, despite the critical role of trust in public administration. The specific problem was federal government leaders cannot manage employee behaviors and organizational characteristics that shape peer coworker trust and distrust. The purpose of the qualitative exploratory single case study was to explore federal employee experiences to discover peer coworker behaviors and organizational characteristics that shape peer coworker trust. Mayer and colleagues&rsquo; model of trust and organizational citizenship behavior theory provided a two-part theoretical framework for conceptualizing peer coworker trust. Data were collected from federal employees assigned to a Washington, D.C. duty location via semi-structured interviews as well as documents and physical artifacts. The researcher used NVivo 11&reg; to assist with managing, organizing, coding, and analyzing data. Data analysis resulted in 16 themes that shape peer coworker trust. Six main themes, including (1) transparent persona, (2) Machiavellian tactics, (3) remorse, (4) recognition programs, (5) supportive management, and (6) social interaction, were used to answer the two research questions. Research results unveiled peer coworker behaviors and organizational characteristics that shape peer coworker trust that leaders may use to manage peer coworker trust. Leaders who encourage transparent behaviors, discourage and denounce Machiavellian tactics, and encourage employees to demonstrate remorse after a coworker experiences distrust in them, may nurture peer coworker trust. At the organizational level, leaders who use recognition programs, provide supportive management, and foster social interaction may cultivate peer coworker trust. Fostering peer coworker trust may enhance employee engagement, which may lead to improved results-oriented cultures.</p>