Enhancement of organizational commitment through propensity to trust

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception of propensity to trust and organizational commitment of quantity surveyors and examine if propensity to trust among working partners enhances organizational commitment of quantity surveyors. Design/methodology/approach – Organizational commitment and propensity to trust is linked through the framework of social exchange. Quantitative approach with questionnaire survey is employed to investigate whether propensity to trust would enhance organizational commitment. Questionnaires are sent to the quantity surveyors who are professional members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and are working in the Hong Kong construction industry. In total, 71 valid responses are obtained for data analysis. Findings – Contrary to prediction, propensity to trust does not show significant relationship with both affective and continuance commitment. The two propensity to trust scales show different results on the relationship with normative commitment (NC). When working relationship is taken into consideration, quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the worst working relationship has significant and positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level; whilst quantity surveyor’s propensity to trust the partner who has the best working relationship does not has significant positive impact on the surveyor’s NC level. Practical implications – To improve propensity to trust among quantity surveyors, consultant companies should provide professional-related training programme to quantity surveyors as to explore their potential. The provision of training programs would also help quantity surveyors feel that they are supported by the organization, which would improve their commitment to the organization. Originality/value – This is the first study to apply the social exchange theory to study organizational commitment within the quantity surveying profession and construction industry, which provides a new point for understanding the concept amongst the profession and industry.