Dynamics of Trust - Trust Theory: A Socio-Cognitive and Computational Model - page 142

consider some not so easily predictable results in which trust in the trustee decreases with
positive experiences (when the trustee realizes the delegated task) and increases with negative
experiences (when the trustee does not realize the delegated task).
The dynamic nature of trust is also described by the second case (ii) where we will study
the fact that in one and the same situation trust is influenced by trust in several rather complex
ways. In particular, we will analyze two main crucial aspects of trust dynamics.
How trust creates a reciprocal trust, and distrust elicits distrust ; but also vice versa: how
X 's trust in Y could induce lack of trust or distrust in Y towards X , while X 's diffidence can
make Y more trustful in X . In this chapter we will examine also an interesting aspect of
trust dynamics: How the fact that X trusts Y and relies on him in situation

can actually

(objectively) influence Y's trustworthiness in the situation . Either trust is a self-fulfilling

prophecy that modifies the probability of the predicted event; or it is a self-defeating strategy
by negatively influencing the events. And also how X can be aware of (and takes into account)
the effect of its own decision in the very moment of that decision (see also Section 8.9). We
will also analyze the trust atmosphere. This is a macro-level phenomenon, and the individual
agent does not calculate it. Finally, we will consider the power of the trust cognitive model for
analyzing and modeling the crucial phenomenon of a trust transfer from one agent to another
or from one task to another.
As we have argued in Chapters 2 and 3, we will resume in the following, that trust and
reliance/delegation are strictly connected phenomena: trust could be considered as the set of
mental components on which a delegation action is based. In the analysis of trust dynamic, we
have also to consider the role of delegation ( weak , mild and strong delegation) (Castelfranchi
and Falcone, 1998).

6.1 Mental Ingredients in Trust Dynamics
From the point of view of the dynamic studies of trust, it is relevant to underline how the basic
beliefs, described in Chapter 2, might change during the interaction between the trustor and
the trustee: for example, they could change the abilities of the trustee or his reasons/motives
for willing (and/or the trustor's beliefs on them); or again it might change the dependence
relationships between the trustor and the trustee (and so on).
Another important characteristic of the socio-cognitive model of trust is the distinction (see
also Section 2.7.2 and Section 8.3.3) between trust 'in' someone or something that on the basis
of its internal characteristics can realize a useful action or performance, and the global trust
in the global event or process and its result which is also affected by external factors (to the
trustee) like opportunities and interferences.
Trust in Y (for example, 'social trust' in the strict sense) seems to consist of the two first
prototypical beliefs/evaluations identified as the basis for reliance: ability/competence (that
with cognitive agents includes knowledge and self-confidence) , and disposition/motivation
(that with cognitive agents is based on willingness , persistence , engagement , etc.).
Evaluation about external opportunities is not really an evaluation about Y (at most the belief
about its ability to recognize, exploit and create opportunities is part of our trust 'in' Y ). We
should also add an evaluation about the probability and consistence of obstacles, adversities,
and interferences.