Trust Differences Between Men and Women in Superior-Subordinate Relationships

Trust perceptions of male and female respondents toward on-site supervisors, area supervisors, and top management were investigated in a large state agency. Although trust differences between men and women toward management were not found, respondents reporting to someone of the same gender had significantly higher trust in their superior than did men or women reporting to a superior of the opposite sex. Perceptions of trust were also found to be significantly related to the respondent's position level in the organization.