Attachment relationship study of trust and trust transfer

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply trust perspective and attachment theory and determined that relational embeddedness, anxiety attachment, and avoidance attachment are major factors influencing the trust of tenants in owners/developers of shopping centers. The authors also examined whether tenants transfer this trust to new shopping center developers and the consequent effect on relational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was empirically based on primary data collected from new shopping center developers and the consequent effect on relational performance. Structure equation modeling was employed to verify and validate the research model.

Findings

Data collected from 250 shopping center tenants were analyzed, and the findings indicate that relational embeddedness, anxiety attachment, and avoidance attachment positively affect the trust of store tenants in the owners or developers of shopping centers. Furthermore, the authors determined that trust in existing shopping center developers was transferred to new shopping center developers, which consequently enhanced relational performance.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to trust transfer research and provide actionable guidelines to organizations intending to provide intermediary business services.

Citation

Wu, J.-J., Chen, Y.-H., Chien, S.-H. and Wu, W.-K. (2016), "Attachment relationship study of trust and trust transfer", Journal of Service Theory and Practice, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 681-695. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTP-04-2015-0095