Question 1

Why does the document argue that trust remains poorly understood in international cooperation research?

Accepted Answer

The research tradition frames trust in two opposing but incomplete ways: either trust is replaced by regulated accountability mechanisms or trust is treated as a purely cognitive, calculative exercise.

Question 2

What does the study claim about trust in the NGO–donor relationship over time?

Accepted Answer

Trust is bidimensional and dynamic: emotional and cognitive trust complement each other and change in salience as the relationship moves through different stages.

Question 3

How does the importance of emotional versus cognitive trust evolve across the relationship stages?

Accepted Answer

Emotional trust dominates early when the NGO sets up its mission and attracts donors; cognitive trust becomes key when donors decide to fund; cognitive trust is most salient during reporting and audit; emotional trust becomes critical again when the NGO and donors consider renewing the relationship.