Government

Government sits at the top of the Trust Waterfall because its influence cascades down to the other levels, making ethical governance the first and most important requirement of a high-trust nation. Strong governments use policy and legislation wisely to promote integrity within all three domains, while the trustworthy conduct of its leaders sets an example to other actors in society and establishes honesty and fair dealing as social norms.

Marketplace

Governments that cultivate a moral marketplace go beyond setting the regulations required to uphold free and fair competition. They pursue a range of strategies to encourage a culture where companies and their leaders unite around a common set of ethical standards. In the moral marketplace, businesses are anchored in a social purpose, live out strong corporate values, reject sharp practice and corruption, and serve their counterparties and customers fairly.

Community

High social trust is established when people believe that those around them are honest, law-abiding, respectful, and can be trusted to keep their promises. This rests on communities where members honor one another and the public realm, their national and community leaders, laws and law enforcement, and their shared heritage, customs, and traditions. These behaviors foster community resilience, relational harmony, a sense of civic duty, and a value for public virtue.