Abstract
This paper will attempt a theoretical approach by analyzing literature in this field, and then apply appropriate theories to several organizational examples. In order to assess whether an organization placing emphasis on fostering an atmosphere of trust, can overcome opportunism amongst its workforce, the terms trust and opportunism must first be defined to ensure a common understanding. According to the Oxford English dictionary, trust is 'confidence in or reliance on some quality or attribute of a person or thing, or the truth of a statement.' From a management literature perspective this definition is not explicit enough. Definitions of trust abound in the literature are given in this topic. It seems that as 'trust is a very complex construct, with multiple levels, bases and determinants', it is difficult to produce a definitive definition.
