Abstract
This study develops and tests a model of effective interpersonal communication as an antecedent to client
trust and closeness amongst small to medium enterprise (SJ1E) professional services providerspersonal
fmancial planners. A new multidimensional scale for interpersonal communications is developed and tested,
resulting in the identification of three dimensions : Communications clarity (5 items),Social communications
(4 items), and Information provision (7 items). Client trust is investigated also as a multidimensional
construct with credibility trust and benevolence trust being the two dimensions used. Closeness is
investigated as a unidimensional construct. The results suggest that there is a positive relationship between
communications clarity and, credibility trust and closeness; social communications and benevolence trust and
closeness. These findings would be beneficial for SME professional services providers, as it would allow them
to develop focused interpersonal communications strategies to enhance their clients' perceptions of the trust
and closeness. Increased client perception of trust and closeness is beneficial as it leads to increased referrals
and positive word-of-mouth recommendations and mutually beneficial long-term relationships