Compliance with COVID-19 preventive policies and governmental transparency: an experimental analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of government transparency on COVID-related policy compliance among 722 Taiwanese college students. Results reveal a positive correlation between transparency, operationalized as information disclosure, and policy compliance. However, this relationship is mediated by individuals’ trust in the government, particularly when trust levels are low. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the direct link between transparency and trust, especially in instances of negative performance information. The study underscores the significance of transparency in fostering policy compliance while emphasizing the nuanced role of trust in shaping public behavior. Implications for policy-making are discussed in light of these findings.