The importance of trust for interaction under risk

Many studies show that trust is an important factor for effective collaboration (Torgersen et al 2009). However, these studies have generally been conducted in situations that are safe and without risk to life and health, or... [ view full abstract ]

Many studies show that trust is an important factor for effective collaboration (Torgersen et al 2009). However, these studies have generally been conducted in situations that are safe and without risk to life and health, or in situations where risks of failure in the interaction, or in the environment in general are predictable.
Trust is a basic condition for efficient interaction during meetings at work and during exchange of services in various businesses. In such situations, “trust”, as a psychological phenomenon between people can be identified, and the persons involved in the interaction are aware of their mutual trust which in turn may contribute to better coordination. This can be termed as “safe-trust development”.
But, how does trust function in interaction processes where the situation is unsafe for the participants? Examples of unsafe situations are military operations, natural disasters and handling of unforeseen events where the outcome of an interaction process is uncertain and unpredictable.
This paper discusses trust and collaboration in light of the unforeseen and risk, based on the overall perspective: How to get one step ahead of the unforeseen? The paper is a follow-up and immersive study of the Norwegian research and book project Pedagogy for the Unforeseen (Glenn-Egil Torgersen, eds., 2015).