Dealing with Mutual Mistrust

Abstract

In dealing with trust relationships, there are two types of challenges that labelling initiators have to confront. The first one concerns the relationship between consumers and the programme/scheme (see Chapter 4). The second one, and the topic of this chapter, concerns the relationship between the actors participating in the process of standards development. Various groups — including consumer groups — that are seen as important to include as participants in labelling programmes may mistrust each other, even hate each other. To develop standard criteria may require that groups representing, for instance, social movements and business can initiate a dialogue and reach agreements. However, they may lack experience of such dialogues across societal spheres, and may not be very keen on communicating on equal grounds. They may doubt the other stakeholders’ experience and competence, and may believe that the others are pushing hidden agendas.