Trust in Decentralization: A Look at Blockchain and Trust Preferences
Date of Award
Spring 5-2026
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Advisor(s)
Evangelos Katsamakas
Abstract
Decentralization has become a buzzword for blockchain and other decentralized technologies. This study explores the link between a system's decentralized/centralized nature and its impact on people's trust in those systems across Governance & Politics, Economics & Finance, and Technology & Information. An analysis of responses from 154 respondents to a questionnaire found that decentralization does result in increased trust when examined idealistically. Governance was one key area where decentralization had a major impact. However, when explored more practically, decentralization was not consistently trusted more relative to some centralized systems. In addition, factors such as a system's history and understandability were found to be more significant than its decentralization for trust.
Recommended Citation
Crespo, Michael, "Trust in Decentralization: A Look at Blockchain and Trust Preferences" (2026). Gabelli School of Business Honors Thesis Collection. 163.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/gabelli_thesis/163
