Trustful behaviour is meaningful behaviour: Implications for theory on identification-based trusting relations

ABSTRACT This article emphasises that trustful behaviour is meaningful behaviour which communicates that the interaction partner is perceived as a trustworthy actor. It shows how this almost trivial insight can enrich our theoretical understanding of trusting relations in a significant way. Three assumptions will be derived which emphasise the relational character of trust and which focus on causal and constitutive interactions between trustful behaviour and certain inter-subjective structures in which a relationship is embedded: first, trustful behaviour (re-)produces shared social identity; second, trustful behaviour satisfies the socio-emotional needs of the trusted actor; and third, trustful behaviour complies with a social norm and obligation to trust. These assumptions will be applied for a theoretical analysis of processes of building and maintaining identification-based trusting relations. It will be highlighted that the active celebration of trustful behaviour itself is necessary for the (re-)production of the socio-emotional foundation of an identification-based trusting relationship. Moreover, the theoretical analysis will provide a discussion of appropriate and effective reassurance strategies which actors may follow in times of uncertainty and doubt. In sum, the article provides a new perspective on the relationship between trust and risk: not only trustful behaviour is (objectively) risky, but also the refusal of trust. Actors who unnecessarily refuse to engage in trustful behaviour risk deteriorating the relationship.