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Journal article
Sabotaging trust: how deception, gaslighting and self-sabotaging behavior erode institutional trust
Society and business review, Vol.online ahead of print
09/08/2026
Web of Science ID: WOS:001868003500001
Abstract
This paper aims to examine the decline of institutional trust in American society, arguing that institutional self-sabotage (denial, deception, and related behaviors) deepens public distrust. It offers a framework for understanding this erosion and provides recommendations for restoring trust.
This conceptual paper integrates psychological contract, stakeholder, and institutional theories. Historical cases from corporate, financial, governmental and media sectors illustrate how perceived breaches of societal expectations erode trust.
As a conceptual paper focused on the American context, this study provides a theoretical foundation for future cross-cultural and empirical research on trust restoration strategies.
The paper offers a roadmap for leaders emphasizing transparency, accountability, and ethical crisis response, alongside proactive measures to prevent trust erosion.
Findings underscore the societal importance of institutional trust for individual autonomy and democratic health, warning against cynicism and urging institutions to recognize and act on their civic responsibilities.
The paper presents a holistic framework integrating micro-level psychological contract theory with stakeholder and institutional theories to explain trust erosion and link self-sabotaging behaviors to mechanisms that yield actionable recommendations.
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Details
- Title
- Sabotaging trust
- Publication Details
- Society and business review, Vol.online ahead of print
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Emerald Publishing Limited
- Number of pages
- 19
- Copyright
- © Emerald Publishing Limited
- Identifiers
- WOS:001868003500001; 99381899781206600
- Academic Unit
- Business Administration; Commerce; Lewis Bear Jr. College of Business
- Language
- English