Question

Describe the process of building credibility. In your response, identify and define different types of credibility and explain how each is earned. Provide specific examples to support your main points.​

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) Credibility is the good image and positive opinions that are associated with an individual based on their behaviour, mannerism, potential, intellect, temperament etc. In other words, credibility is the dependability or level of trust that is associated with a person that is evaluated on the basis of their behaviour.

There are three types of credibility. These are defined based on how and when they are acquired during social interactions. The types are:

1. Initial Credibility – This is when the person has credibility at the beginning of the relationship or during initial interactions. This might be based on past opinion or immediate initial actions. For instance, a person at a job interview seems like a credible individual because he has had good scores in school and is very polite during the interview.
2. Derived Credibility – This is when the ongoing behaviour and actions of the individual help build their credibility gradually. For instance, John initially garnered neutral opinions at his workplace. However, after working on a few projects, people have noticed that he is dependable and diligent. Therefore, John as derived credibility.
3. Terminal Credibility – This is when an individual has lost credibility at the end of a term of work or actions. When a person has performed ill actions, their credibility is tarnished. This means that they are less trustworthy and hence less credible. For example, John was caught stealing office-supplies. After this, any credibility that he had earned is not diminished or tarnished.