Trust Is Not Universal
In some cultures, trust is built through credentials and formal agreements. In others, it is earned through relationships, shared meals, and time invested. Leaders who assume one model fits all will find themselves trusted by some and mistrusted by others — often without knowing why.
The fastest way to lose trust across cultures is to assume everyone trusts for the same reasons you do.
— Promise Monday
The Two Models of Trust
Cognitive trust is based on competence and reliability. Affective trust is based on emotional closeness and personal connection. High-performing multicultural teams need both — but the balance varies by culture.