Government’s Economic Performance Fosters Trust in Government in China: Assessing the Moderating Effect of Respect for Authority

Abstract

The high level of trust in government in China has been attributed to the Chinese government’s success in economic development. However, the increased public demand in China in recent years has made the public less likely to focus on the government’s economic performance, which inspired us to explore the correlation between government’s economic performance and trust in government. Based on the Asian Barometer Survey, this study examines the relationship between the government’s economic performance and trust in government in China. The findings suggest that good economic performance by the government was positively associated with a high level of trust in government. High respect for authority was not only positively associated with trust in government but also weakened the relationship between the government’s economic performance and trust in government. This study provides evidence that although the conventional concept of respect for authority may positively predict trust in government, it will weaken the effects of good economic performance by the government on trust in government. The results provide reference for governments in contexts similar to that in China seeking to improve their reputations.