Shared Responsibility for Mission Outcomes and Relational Trust and Closeness
As social creatures, humans need to be interdependent and rely on others for their survival. This means that they form relationships with people who are important to them, such as family members, friends, colleagues, partners, or romantic partners. These relationships require trust, which can be defined as a willingness to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to open up one's heart to another person. Trust is also necessary for closeness, meaning being able to share feelings, experiences, thoughts, ideas, and emotions. In addition, mission outcomes refer to goals, objectives, or tasks set by an organization or individual, and shared responsibility means when everyone involved takes part in achieving those outcomes. The question arises whether shared responsibility influences relational trust and closeness positively or negatively.
Shared responsibility for mission outcomes can positively influence relational trust and closeness in several ways. Firstly, it fosters transparency and accountability, as everyone involved knows what they should do and what is expected of them. If all parties work together towards a common goal, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and efficiently, leading to better results. Secondly, shared responsibility allows for mutual support and help when needed, creating a sense of team spirit and camaraderie. When team members feel appreciated and valued for their contributions, they are more motivated and committed to the task at hand, increasing the chances of success. Thirdly, shared responsibility promotes communication, collaboration, and feedback, essential elements for building trust and intimacy in interpersonal relations.
Shared responsibility provides opportunities for learning and personal development, strengthening bonds between individuals and enhancing their relationships over time.
Shared responsibility can also negatively affect relational trust and closeness if not implemented correctly.
If one party does not fulfill its responsibilities, resentment and frustration may arise among the others, which can lead to distrust and withdrawal from the relationship.
Shared responsibility might create pressure on people who are not used to taking on such responsibilities, making them feel uncomfortable and anxious. This can result in avoidance behavior and a lack of commitment to the cause, further damaging trust and closeness. Moreover, sharing too much responsibility might make individuals feel overwhelmed and burnt out, decreasing their engagement and motivation. In extreme cases, it could even lead to conflicts and disagreements about how to handle tasks or achieve goals, causing irreparable harm to the relationship.
While shared responsibility for mission outcomes is generally beneficial to relational trust and closeness, it requires careful consideration and implementation. It is crucial to define clear roles and responsibilities, provide support and guidance when needed, and ensure that everyone feels valued and appreciated for their contributions. By doing so, shared responsibility can promote cooperation, mutual respect, and success, ultimately leading to stronger, more meaningful relationships.
How does shared responsibility for mission outcomes influence relational trust and closeness?
Research suggests that when individuals perceive their contributions as having a significant impact on achieving organizational goals, they experience higher levels of job satisfaction, motivation, and commitment (Kozlowski & Chao, 2016). This perception is often referred to as shared responsibility for mission outcomes, which can be influenced by several factors such as employee training, feedback, and communication within teams (Hoegl et al. , 2017).