The realization of existing competencies' potentials is seen as a scarce 'vital' differential advantage for companies. The research study investigated the impact of trust on employee competence utilization in a business excellence context and developed a new integrative trust model for organizations. The survey was directed to employees of selected companies in a pragmatic mixed methods application. As a result, the study suggested a significant positive correlation between trust and employee competence utilization, and supports the integration of character, relationship and trust behaviour....