Time Will Tell or Will it? Power Inequality Hinders Trust Meta-Accuracy Development Over Time

Building on the realistic accuracy model and power literature, we theorize a moderated mediation model in which trust meta-perceptions become more accurate over time from the beginning of a relationship, and power inequality moderates the effects of time on trust metaaccuracy development. Furthermore, we propose that trust meta-accuracy positively influences dyadic performance. We found evidence in a diary field study among newcomer-supervisor dyads and newcomer-coworker dyads, and in a well-controlled experiment among strangers in which we experimentally manipulated power equality (vs. inequality) and included an objective measure of dyadic performance. Our research has important implications for meta-perceptions research.