Credibility is defined as what in the trust equation?

• A. Consistency with past behavior
• B. Truthfulness
• C. Knowledge of stakeholders
• D. Self-orientation

Answer: (B)

Credibility in the trust equation is about truthfulness—how honest you are and whether you tell the truth and keep your commitments. The trust equation is often described as Trust = (Credibility + Reliability + Intimacy) divided by Self-Orientation. In this framework, credibility signals that your statements and claims are trustworthy because they are truthful.

Reliability, by contrast, refers to consistent actions over time; intimacy relates to the safety and openness of the relationship; and self-orientation captures how much you prioritize your own interests. Because credibility is specifically tied to honesty and truth-telling, it is defined as truthfulness.