Trust in the Leader and Trust in the Organization in Healthcare: A Concept Analysis Based on a Systematic Review

Abstract

Orientation. Trust is the central part of leadership and organizational culture and can often go unnoticed until it decreases. There is a lack of a comprehensive concept analysis of trust in the healthcare setting. Research Purpose. The research aim was to gather, assess, and synthesize previous empirical evidence from the field of healthcare about the concepts of trust in the leader and trust in the organization. Motivation for the Study. To create a comprehensive and generic concept analysis of trust in the leader and organization for the healthcare sector based on recent empirical studies. Research Design and Method. A concept analysis, which followed the method presented by Walker and Avant, was conducted as a systematic review that adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of eight databases were searched for relevant literature and 42 articles were included. Main Findings. The definitions of trust in the leader and the organization were based on emotion and cognition. Trust in the leader emerged as a core feature of collaborative leader-employee relationships, whereas trust in the organization was a key construct of organizational functioning. Trust in the leader and the organization contributed to commitment, increased work production, enhanced collaboration, and improved workplace well-being. Defense mechanisms were identified as a new contrary concept, while justice was found to be a related concept. Contribution. Both trust in the leader and trust in the organization positively impact an organization, nurse leaders, and employees. Deeper knowledge of trust and its attributes will be critical to the operationalization and estimation of levels of trust in healthcare organizations. Managerial Implications. Trust in the leader and the organization can significantly influence the attractiveness of an organization, retention of personnel, productivity, and work-related well-being. Thus, this aspect should be measured and developed systematically while acknowledging the antecedents of trust building.