STRUCTURED ABSTRACTPurpose. Due to the divergent conclusions about the effects of interpersonal trust on job satisfaction, the study aims to look more deeply into this relationship by introducing job stress as a mediator variable. Findings. Our findings show that interpersonal trust has a positive effect on job satisfaction, and that job stress partially mediates this relationship. Furthermore, interpersonal trust is negatively related to job stress, which in turn is negatively related to job satisfaction.Research limitations/implications. Despite the pertinence and size of the database used in the study, it is very heterogeneous. Future research might delimit the database by organization size or sector. Qualitative studies may also improve our understanding of the relationships studied and enable other concepts to be included.
2Practical implications. Cultivating a climate of trust may provide organizations with a strategy to improve levels of mental well-being and satisfaction among their employees.Originality/value. This research explains why interpersonal trust has a positive effect on job satisfaction. Our conceptualization of trust implies risk assumption and low risk perception; low perception of risk is presumed to reduce job stress, and in turn, increase job satisfaction. We also put forward reasons for why 'excessive' interpersonal trust has been related to negative effects on job satisfaction. 'Excessive' trust might infer high risk perception, which might increase job stress, and in turn decrease job satisfaction.