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A Crisis of Trust
February 2009 | Volume 7 Issue 2
Stories of corporate scandal and collapse permeate the media these days, creating what many are calling a crisis in trust. In this issue of CW Bulletin, our experts reveal what behaviors breed mistrust in an organization, and offer communicators tips to help their organizations proactively rebuild trusting relationships with employees and other stakeholders.
Natasha Nicholson
Executive Editor
Amanda Aiello
Associate Editor |
Features
BUILDING TRUST
by Toni Cascio, Ph.D., and Angelique Rewers, ABC, APR
In the current economic climate, budgets are being slashed, hiring freezes are commonplace and anxiety abounds. The phrase "doing more with less" has become a mantra of sorts in many industries. The truth is, though, many people have no idea how to do more with less. Where can you start? One way to boost performance with limited resources is to create an organization that has high levels of trust.
TRUST CRISIS
by Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Sherwyn Morreale and Michael Z. Hackman
A lack of trust is at the foundation of the current financial crisis and will have an impact far beyond financial and governmental institutions. Both research and recent economic events demonstrate that distrust has enormous human and financial costs. It is a myth that we can’t do anything to earn the confidence of employees and the public—everything we do influences trust. It’s directly linked to organizational excellence and measurable outcomes.
MAINTAINING TRUST
by James E. Lukaszewski, ABC, APR
Let’s cut right to the chase: The most powerful way to establish trust is to provide information in advance, generally through some form of communication—perhaps person-to-person at first, followed by appropriate behaviors, collateral communication and performance.
Unlike “reputation,” which is really a public relations concept, “trust” is a powerful management term. All managers should understand it, recognize its power, and know when they are damaging or breaking it.
Columns
Good News: Stormy weather ahead in 2009
by Suzanne Salvo
The year 2008 was marked by freakishly bad weather. There were droughts and deluges, lightning storms and landslides, cyclones, tornadoes and hurricanes. But there is a silver lining to stormy conditions: Bad weather doesn’t have to mean bad photos. In fact, unique and incredibly dynamic images can be produced in changeable weather—if you know how. In other words, that ill wind could be blowing you good photo news.
Where to Turn for Business Advice
by Daria Steigman
I never really thought about where I go for business advice until two different coaches tried to recruit me for their programs. I am an unlikely prospect for formal coaching. I write a business column, after all, and I read about and talk to people every day about business models, budgeting, invoicing, marketing strategies, and other core aspects of running a business. So I get that it’s hard work—and that you can’t do it all yourself. Which raises the big question: Who do solopreneurs and small business owners turn to for advice?
Web 2.0: The digital generation’s Internet
by Justin Goldsborough
It really used to get on my nerves when people described social media as a fad, an extracurricular activity, just playing around. But now when I hear someone describe it that way, one word comes to mind: opportunity.
- “Helping a Post-Secondary Institution Meet Its Needs,” North Alberta Institute of Technology
- “ATCO Gas Employees Doing Double Duty for Safety,” ATCO Gas
- “Transforming Funds and Mind-sets—DB/DC Conversion,” Nyani Communication with De Beers Pension Fund
Communication in the News
Related Resources provides additional articles and resources for understanding this month’s topic. You can also find some of these links alongside each corresponding feature article for quick reference. Links include:
- “How the Best Leaders Build Trust,” by Stephen M. R. Covey
- “Confronting Workplace Realities to Build an Environment of Trust,” by Cynthia Olmstead
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