Exploring dual narratives of supervisory trust in remote supervisor–subordinate relationships

Abstract

AbstractThis study evaluates the involuntary remote work experiences of subordinates and supervisors in terms of supervisory trust. Data were collected from professionals in Türkiye through an open‐ended questionnaire. The findings reveal that subordinates feel less supervisory trust, whereas supervisors confirm trusting their remote subordinates less. Utilizing leader–member exchange (LMX) theory as a theoretical approach, we argue that the lack of supervisory trust is a major setback for the quality of LMX and displays itself in the form of more controlling and monitoring together with criticisms over ability and behavioural integrity. Moreover, cognitive trust is more dominant in the remote dyadic trust relationship, even though the cultural context signals a more affect‐based one. This study contributes to the emerging literature on trust and LMX in virtual work settings by presenting dual narratives on supervisory trust in the supervisor–subordinate relationships under remote work conditions.