The effects of cognitive and affective trust on follower behavior and effectiveness.

This study examines the effects of trust on the relationship between follower behavior and follower effectiveness. A distinction was made between cognitive and affective trust and between task-oriented and relation-oriented behavior. In this cross-sectional study 2 methods were used: 1) surveys that measured followers perception of the performance of the leader; and 2) coded video-observations of regular staff meetings. The data was used from a sample consisting of 622 followers employed in a large Dutch public sector organization. Positive relationships were found between affective and cognitive trust and follower effectiveness, and between relation-oriented behavior and follower effectiveness. Inconsistent with the hypotheses no relationship was found between task- oriented behavior and follower effectiveness. Also the expected moderating effects of cognitive and affective trust were not found. In the discussion possible explanations for the non-significant relationships and suggestions for further research are given.