INTERPERSONAL TRUST AND WORK PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING EFFECTS OF WORK SATISFACTION AND INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

Abstract

We investigated the effects of interpersonal trust variables (trust in peers and trust in management)
on employees’ performance (both task and contextual performance) through the dimensions of work satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were manipulated in SPSS and its AMOS 28 extension. The SEM performed on a
sample of 300 French employees revealed a significant positive direct impact of both dimensions of interpersonal trust on satisfaction and intrinsic motivation at work. Using Hayes’ (2013) approach,
we discovered a significant positive indirect effect of interpersonal trust variables on both task and
contextual performance via intrinsic motivation, thereby substantiating the complete mediating
effect of intrinsic motivation. Further, this article reveals the specific mechanisms through which
interpersonal trust influences job performance through intrinsic motivation and work satisfaction.
We also discuss the managerial implications of our results and encourage organizations to foster
interpersonal trust for better individual performance through intrinsic motivation.