The Role Of Causal Attribution Dimensions In Trust Repair

Abstract

We examine the repair of one party's trust in another via repairing trustworthiness (). Based on causal attribution theory, we posit that causal attributions (i.e., locus of causality, controllability, and stability) for the cause of a negative outcome in a trusting relationship explain when trustworthiness is in need of repair and how trustworthiness may be repaired by the trustee's efforts. We also discuss the role of specific emotional reactions of the trustor in this process.