Essentials Quote by Jeffrey Pfeffer
“With respect to trust, people tell me that it is essential for organizational functioning. Maybe, but most surveys of trust find that trust in leaders is low and nonetheless, organizations role along quite nicely.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't” by Jeffrey Pfeffer, 2010
Trust is touted as essential, yet low trust does not stop organizations from functioning.
In simple terms: Organizations can work despite low trust.
Key Takeaway
Build systems that function with or without trust.
Themes
trust
organization
leadership
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
business
psychology
When to use this quote
- corporate management
- team dynamics
- policy design
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
organizational behavior
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is trust truly necessary?
- How can low trust be mitigated?
A Different Perspective
May erode long‑term morale.
