Trust in Civil Services as an Institution

Abstract

This paper contemplates the state of drift in the public’s feeling and trust in the civil services that have authority over them using the World Values Survey data from 1981 to 2013. This study will show that the trust in the civil service as an institution has changed over time and over geographic region. Citizens trust civil servants when the feel they get a good return on the payment that they invest in government through the tax structure and compliance. While contributions per person vary, the outcomes can still be measured and experienced. News of corruption and hypocrisy creates a perception of inferior performance. The purpose of the civil service is to preserve the quality of life of citizens. This is carried out through processes that achieve outcomes from administrative agencies that help citizens to follow rules, cooperate in the provision of the collective good, and respond appropriately in emergencies. By leveraging the World Values Survey data, the study shows trends in trust in civil services across generations and geographies.