Building Bridges of Trust: The Role of Perceived Organizational Support, Supervisory Communication, and Coworker Relationships in Enhancing Frontline Employee Support

This study intends to examine how socioemotional resources from various levels within an organization—namely, organizational level (i.e., perceived organizational support), supervisory level (i.e., use of motivating language), and coworker level (i.e., coworker relationship)—enhance frontline employees’ trust in and supportive behavior toward their organizations. Using a web-based survey of 539 full-time frontline workers across various sectors, this study demonstrated that perceived organizational support and motivating language from supervisors significantly influence frontline employees’ organizational trust, which in turn leads to their supportive behavior. Coworker relationships, while not affecting trust, directly influence supportive behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.