The relationship between trust and humility: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose This work synthesizes the growing body of research exploring the relationship between the important constructs of humility and trust and addresses four important research questions. Design/methodology/approach This systematic review follows the approach prescribed by the updated 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. This review includes so-called “grey literature” to reduce bias and increase its utility. Findings Of 76 full text records identified, 56 were deemed eligible and reviewed. Findings reveal that humility, while defined differently by those in different disciplines, engenders trust, but the relationship is complicated. Various mediators and moderators exist that impact the relationship. Further, the relationship between humility and trust may not be one way. Some research suggests that trust can influence humility. There are also numerous theories used to explain—and methods employed to understand—this complex relationship. Research limitations/implications Future work can address measurement and methodological shortfalls, as well as explore inconsistencies in results by replicating select studies or examining potential moderators and boundary conditions. Future research could also expand its focus to include foreign language papers to reduce publication bias. Originality/value This is the first review to systematically integrate the literature exploring the relationship between the two increasingly important topics of humility and trust. We identify trends and gaps in the existing literature and suggest future work that could better elucidate the relationship between humility and trust.