Abstract

Workplace change is constant, yet most change management models focus on logistical, financial, and operational factors, overlooking the human aspects. Strategies to support employees often neglect the critical role of trust in effectiveness and success. To more deeply explore the role of trust, this study combined a comprehensive literature review with leader interviews to compare theoretical findings with real-world practices. Results revealed that while leaders acknowledged the importance of trust in leading teams through change, fewer than half explicitly identified it without prompting. Trust was consistently referenced, though often implicitly, reflecting a pattern in the literature where trust was acknowledged but not prioritized. These findings highlight the need for a more deliberate integration of trust in change management models, ensuring it is treated as a central element.  For change management strategies to be truly effective, trust must be a primary focus in both theory and practice, not an implicit consideration.

Date Created

April 25, 2026

Project Type

Capstone

College or School

College of Professional Studies Granite Division

Program or Major

Leadership

Date

Spring 2026

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