TRUST IN THE MANAGER AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM A LOW-TRUST SOCIETY

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between trust in the manager and job satisfaction of employees. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire from 591 respondents in Bulgaria. The correlation analyses confirm the two hypotheses formulated regarding positive relationships between trust in the manager and specific facets of job satisfaction (H1) and overall job satisfaction (H2). The relatively low levels of trust in the manager and job satisfaction align with previous conclusions that the country is a low-trust society. Cross-tabulation analyses and ranking of the relationships’ strength between each of the trust indicators (dependability, reciprocity, and shared understanding) and job satisfaction indicators (several specific facets and overall satisfaction) are interpreted. The findings are complemented through the lens of other national culture dimensions (power distance and individualism). This study’s conclusions highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of trust and the mechanisms through which it shapes the organisational context and outcomes, especially in low-trust societies.