Trust: Key to acculturation in corporatized health care environments

Widespread restructuring of health care organizations often results in corporatization and associated cultures to which nurse administrators must adapt. Acculturation may be facilitated through understanding key aspects of traditional and emerging corporate cultures. One of these aspects is trust, which is requisite for persistently successful organizational performance in dynamic environments. This article defines trust, assesses its significance within organizational settings, delineates specific ways in which it affects organizations, and discusses the implications for nurse administrators of varying levels of trust associated with organizations.