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.
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.