När tillit fungerar och när den brister : En kvalitativ studie av tillit i projektgrupper

Sammanfattning

This study examines how project members experience trust in project teams, as well as which factors contribute to and hinder trust in project work. The background is based on the idea that trust has long been described as a central component of effective collaboration in project management. At the same time, knowledge of how trust is experienced in practice remains limited, particularly from a qualitative perspective. The purpose of the study was therefore to examine project members’ experiences and perceptions of trust in project teams, their trust in fellow project members, and to highlight the factors that, according to the respondents themselves, influence how trust may be manifested in project work. To address the purpose of the study, a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews was applied. In total, ten individuals with experience of project work in different industries were interviewed. The collected data was analyzed through thematic analysis, which made it possible to identify recurring patterns in how trust is described and understood by the participants. The results show that trust is experienced as a fundamental prerequisite for effective collaboration. When trust is present, work is described as more efficient, flexible and less characterized by control. Communication emerges as a central factor, where clarity, openness and continuity contribute to the development of trust. Leadership is also of great importance, as the project manager influences both structure and the work environment. Competence and previous experience are also highlighted as important factors in building confidence and trust between project members. At the same time, several factors that can hinder trust are identified. These include poor performance, unclear communication, conflicts and leadership that is either unclear or overly controlling. The findings also show that trust is a dynamic process that develops over time and can quickly be affected by negative experiences. In summary, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how trust is formed in project teams. It also highlights the importance of both relational and organized factors in creating effective collaboration.