Trust Deficit Research Articles

An interrogation of poor service delivery causes and their impact in local economy of Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality

South Africa's governance structure follows a three-tier system, emphasizing co-operative governance among the national, provincial, and local authorities. The responsibility for crucial service delivery lies primarily with local governments, specifically municipalities. This research delves into the problems and deficiencies associated with service delivery in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality, exploring the perspectives of stakeholders impacted by and responsible for service delivery at strategic, political, and administrative levels. The study employs qualitative methods, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather diverse insights. The research reveals a pervasive sense of apathy towards government service delivery, with a majority of local residents perceiving the municipality as unresponsive to community needs. This contributes to a trust deficit, hindering effective collaboration between residents and local authorities. Divergent perspectives on the reasons for inadequate service provision highlight the complexity of the issue. While municipal officials acknowledge their limitations, some residents resort to extreme measures, such as vandalism and criminal activities, to express their frustrations. The findings emphasize the necessity of a mediating factor to foster understanding and cooperation between local authorities and residents. Motivated by the recurrent violent confrontations and protests stemming from service delivery disputes, this research underscores the significance of addressing these issues for the well-being of citizens and the overall quality of life. Effective communication, responsiveness, accountability, and transparency emerge as essential elements to tackle the challenges identified in the study.

Dilemma analysis and countermeasure research on Arctic marine spatial planning -- Based on the synergy theory perspective

The escalating conflict between human activities and ecological preservation has necessitated developing enhanced standards for the sustainable development of the Arctic maritime region, highlighting the critical need for marine spatial planning in this region. This study examines the challenges of Arctic marine spatial planning and its optimization strategies through the lens of synergy theory, focusing on three dimensions: a synergistic environment, synergistic subjects, and synergy content. The prevailing challenges of Arctic marine spatial planning include the current inadequacy of the synergistic environment, the prominence of contradictions among synergistic subjects, and the necessity for the enhancement of the synergistic content. In Arctic marine spatial planning, it is essential to enhance the support for synergistic environments, establish a network of synergistic entities, and raise the quality of synergistic material. It is proposed that China, as a significant Arctic stakeholder, should cultivate a novel cooperative relationship with both regional and non-regional countries to address the trust deficit; advance polar marine science and technology innovation to facilitate Arctic development; enhance its marine spatial planning to offer insights for the Arctic; and intensify its Arctic involvement through the Silk Road on Ice initiative.

E-Wallets Unplugged: Navigating Benefits and Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the utilization of digital payment alternatives, with e-wallets becoming a significant component of the financial ecosystem. This study examines the diverse benefits and challenges of e-wallets in a post-pandemic context. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed academic papers utilizing the Emerald Insights database. Forty-four articles published between January 2021 and September 2024 were reviewed, highlighting the study's benefits and challenges. The findings indicate that e-wallets enhance financial inclusion, promote convenience and accessibility, stimulate business and economic growth, support the digital economy, facilitate technological integration, and improve consumer convenience, especially in an increasingly cashless environment. Nonetheless, the study also examines the substantial challenges associated with this swift digital transformation, encompassing security issues, poor adoption rates, insufficient knowledge, trust deficits, regulatory hurdles, feature limitations, and user attitude challenges. This study seeks to elucidate the changing function of e-wallets in influencing the future of commerce through a thorough investigation. The study offers recommendations for e-wallet providers, policymakers, and researchers to successfully manage the complexity of e-wallet adoption, enhancing benefits while resolving the inherent challenges.

Seven Years of GST: Time to Move Beyond the Exuberance

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country in July 2017 marked a watershed in the history of indirect tax reforms in the country. The dual structure of GST in India, with all its infirmities, has had significant positive outcomes. It has reduced multiplicity of taxes, cascading of tax, created uniform tax structure on a common base, a uniform GST architecture, rules and processes, and seamless flow of credit across different tax jurisdictions, across the country. But like any other major tax reform, GST in India initially had its fair share of glitches, some of them still continue, although to a much lesser degree and intensity. Due to constraints imposed by the federal nature of our polity, the centre and the states opted for an ‘imperfect GST’ in place of ‘flawless GST’, with the hope that the design flaws would be corrected once the GST stabilizes. While we celebrate the success of GST in the country, we need to usher in the second-generation GST reforms that will broadly encompass; first, the rationalization of tax slabs, and second, expansion of the tax base by pruning exemptions and bringing petroleum products, electricity, alcohol and real estate under GST. The feasibility of inclusion of excluded items, which constitute around 43% of the state’s own tax revenues, in GST, remains bleak at this stage as it will greatly impact the fiscal autonomy of the states. A beginning can, however, be made to rationalize the rate structure which will remedy many of the complexities and problems being faced at present. But, to even address the issue of rate rationalization, the trust deficit between the centre and the states that has suffered a huge dent during the intervening years has to be bridged. JEL Classification: H21, H77

Building Trustworthy AI: The Role of Patient and Public Involvement in Healthcare AI Development

AI is helping researchers make great strides in healthcare. However, there is a trust deficit in AI when applied to critical areas like healthcare. Hence communicating the beneficial medical applications of AI and engaging the public with healthcare AI research is critical. One way to achieve this is by getting the community involved in co-designing better AI systems in healthcare projects. We argue that AI algorithms for healthcare should be co-designed with patients and healthcare workers, so that they are useful and trustworthy. We suggest a roadmap for this collaborative approach in AI model building. This will involve actively including patients with lived experience of a disease, as well as creating a research advisory group to walk patients through the process of AI model building. We suggest formulating and scoping a problem, and then generating a hypothesis that patients and scientists agree on. The road to building trustworthy AI systems may become easier if all stakeholders are involved in co-creating AI models.

Elevated testosterone and prosocial behavior in female patients with borderline personality disorder independent of social exclusion

ObjectiveBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is marked by unstable relationships and fear of abandonment. Earlier studies suggest that patients with BPD are highly sensitive to social exclusion and show deficits in trust and cooperation. The hormone testosterone influences such prosocial behavior and regulates aggressive and caring behavior. Previous studies show elevated testosterone levels in female patients with BPD at baseline and after psychosocial stress, while results after social exclusion are missing. MethodWe investigated the effects of social exclusion on prosocial behavior (sharing and punishment) and salivary testosterone in female patients with BPD. Ninety-eight patients with BPD and 98 healthy females matched for menstrual cycle were randomly assigned to an overinclusion or exclusion condition of the virtual ballgame Cyberball. Afterwards, participants played two games in which they could share money with a fictional player ("dictator game") and accept or reject (= punish) offers from a player ("ultimatum game"). ResultsFemale patients with BPD displayed higher testosterone levels than the control group before and after Cyberball. Social exclusion did not affect testosterone levels. Patients with BPD exhibited more prosocial behavior by sharing more money than controls and punished co-players for unfair offers equally often. ConclusionWe replicated previous findings of elevated testosterone in female patients with BPD and showed that it is not affected by experimentally induced social exclusion. Regardless of social exclusion, patients with BPD showed more prosocial behavior, which may reflect a status-seeking strategy to secure their social standing.

A trust-building model for financial advisory services in Nigeria’s investment sector

The financial advisory sector in Nigeria, while pivotal for guiding investors and enhancing market efficiency, faces significant challenges related to trust. This paper presents a comprehensive trust-building model aimed at addressing the trust deficit within Nigeria’s investment sector. The model proposes a multifaceted approach to enhance trust through improved transparency, accountability, regulatory reforms, and client education. Trust is a crucial element in financial advisory services, influencing investor confidence and market stability. In Nigeria, historical issues such as regulatory inconsistencies, information asymmetry, and instances of financial misconduct have eroded trust between advisors and clients. The proposed trust-building model emphasizes four key areas: enhancing transparency and accountability, implementing regulatory reforms, improving financial literacy among investors, and leveraging technology. Transparency can be achieved through open disclosure of fees, commissions, and potential conflicts of interest, alongside standardized reporting mechanisms. Regulatory reforms are essential for strengthening oversight and enforcing ethical standards. Improving financial literacy involves educating clients about investment options and risks, empowering them to make informed decisions. Technology plays a critical role by offering real-time updates and personalized advice through fintech platforms and AI-driven tools. Case studies from both developed and developing markets highlight successful trust-building strategies, providing valuable insights for the Nigerian context. For instance, countries with robust regulatory frameworks and advanced technological integration offer practical examples of how transparency and accountability can be effectively implemented. Nigerian case studies demonstrate instances where trust-building initiatives have led to increased investor confidence and market stability. Despite the promising aspects of the model, challenges such as institutional resistance, economic instability, and entrenched industry practices may hinder implementation. Overcoming these barriers requires a collaborative effort from regulators, financial advisors, and investors. The model's anticipated impact includes greater investor confidence, market growth, and a more stable investment environment. By addressing the core issues affecting trust and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the proposed model aims to transform Nigeria’s financial advisory sector, ultimately contributing to its long-term development and stability. Keywords: Trust-Building, Financial Advisory, Nigeria, Investment Sector

Principal–agent trust and adoption of digital financial services: Evidence from India

AbstractThe high reliance on cash is a lifestyle for many people, and their low proficiency with smartphone usage acts as an inertial barrier to using digital financial services (DFS). Given low financial or digital literacy, online banking transactions have to be promoted and mediated by DFS agents. This study examines the role of digital platforms, intermediaries such as banks, mobile money agents, payment banks, post offices, and the government's increasing use of digital technologies. This usage of digital platforms is based on the trust relationship between the principals, who are owners of their bank accounts, and agents of DFS, who are intermediaries. A linear probabilistic model is employed to determine the determinants behind the low adoption of DFS between the necessity and nonnecessity groups. We observe that demand‐side factors like education level, identity proof (documentation), and level of smartphone use proficiency increase the probability of a principal's involvement in a digital mode of payment. At the same time, supply‐side factors like digital infrastructure and trust deficit due to unviable commission incentives to DFS agents decrease the principal's likelihood of using digital platforms.

A high-performance framework to integrate primary care and behavioural health

This paper describes a large statewide initiative in Arizona led by the Arizona Medicaid programme to integrate the delivery of primary care and behavioural services. Healthcare in the USA remains fragmented, as reflected in no small measure by the separation of primary care and mental health services, in both structure and delivery. The fact that this historical separation continues to be perpetuated is detrimental to the goals of the Triple Aim. The fragmentation between both clinical service lines is further compounded by the high rate of co-occurring physical and mental illness, shortage of mental health professionals, under-skilling of primary care providers in the management of mental health, and stigma associated with mental illness. Underserved communities, where trust deficits of healthcare systems are commonplace, are especially vulnerable to the untoward effects of fragmented services. In this paper a framework is described to integrate primary care and behavioural health, implemented as a multi-year, multi-stakeholder programme at microsystem level, with policy implications for improving access, outcomes, costs and disparities.

Do Generative Artificial Intelligence Company Strategies of ‘Moving Fast and Breaking Things’ in Civil Society Cancel Their Social Licence to Operate? A Nurse’s Evaluation of Chatbot Impacts

A rapid expansion of the computer technology industry, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, has ignited a global concern that warrants our immediate action. As nurses, our professional values frameworks compel us to protect public health and address national and global health issues. When industry activities adversely affect the social wellbeing of civil society and social institutions, it is important to evaluate them against their industry’s ‘social license to operate, which is a measure of public trust, credibility, and the legitimacy of their industrial and corporate citizenship status. The central question is, do computer technology companies continue to have a social license to operate in civil society? Nurses are encouraged to evaluate the computer technology industry’s recent ‘generative artificial intelligence’ chatbot activities against its tacit undertaking to be good corporate citizens in return for social acceptance of their operations and behaviour. An evidence-based overview of chatbot impacts on societies, environmental sustainability and human rights provide a basis for evaluation. Basic computer technology terminology and relevant concepts are explained. This article is a direct call to action for clinical nurses and those involved in research, education, management, and policy. We have a duty to critically assess the claims made by chatbot technology vendors in both practice and social contexts. If these vendors integrate chatbot technologies with existing machine learning used in nursing and healthcare technologies it could result in detrimental effects beyond user control. By influencing decisions on technology adoption, we can ensure the implementation of safeguards, protect patient safety and social well-being, and uphold the integrity of nursing values. A closing discussion of impacts of computer industry trust deficits on healthcare and research reflects the author’s concerns and conclusions about the central question. Readers may draw other conclusions and perhaps use the issues and evidence presented here to stimulate further investigations.

The dire need of ecological sustainability in Pakistan: the agenda setting role of news media to address environmental problems

Pakistan is struggling from a major challenge stemming from the twin problems of declining economy and environmental degradation. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the country is failing in its battle to protect its environment. Considering its wider reach and influence, the need for news media’s strategies to set a public agenda for fostering ecological sustainability is felt than ever before in Pakistan. Therefore, drawing on the agenda setting theory, this study explored the Pakistani journalists’ views about possible strategies that the country’s news media can use to set the public agenda of ecological sustainability. In doing so, this study used the qualitative method of in-depth interviews and analyzed the data using inductive thematic analysis. The interviewed Pakistani journalists suggested four key strategies to set a public agenda on ecological sustainability: (i) news verification to combat dis/misinformation, (ii) fostering knowledge-based journalism, (iii) improving public trust and engagement, (iv) and solution-oriented news reports. They emphasized using specialized knowledge and using right sources to consult for information on ecological sustainability solutions relevant to the particularities of the provinces in Pakistan. They also urged for combating disinformation so as to improve the public trust deficit about ecological sustainability news among Pakistanis.

Trusting others in a divided country: The determinants of social trust in South Africa

AbstractThis study investigates three key determinants of social trust to explain South Africa's social trust deficit: income inequality, confidence in institutions, and racial diversity. Despite the country's racially heterogenous society and segregated history, racial diversity arguments overlook alternative theories on the determinants of low social trust. We instead argue that the decline in social trust in South Africa can be explained by worsening levels of income inequality and declines in institutional trust in recent decades. Using the 2019 South African Reconciliation Barometer citizen survey data, the empirical analysis confirms that South Africans' confidence in institutions and their subjective perceptions of income distribution (or income inequality) have the strongest influence on social trust levels while racial diversity has a negligible effect. This is encouraging for a country with South Africa's racial diversity and troubled history. Instead, efforts to address South Africa's social trust deficit should focus on increasing citizens' confidence in institutions and addressing the high levels of income inequality. However, given the dire state of institutional confidence and income inequality in the country, it remains unlikely that these conditions will improve in the short term.

Risks of trust deficit in the system of economic relations

Risks of trust deficit in the system of economic relations

Challenges of biomedical research collaboration in India: Perceptions of Indian and international researchers

Biomedical research collaborations are to be contextualized in the larger global health agenda which also opens up new information pathways, expands research networks, and brings additional resources. A qualitative inquiry was employed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of research collaborations by biomedical scientists from India (Global South [GS] country) and the Global North (GN). In-depth interviews were conducted with 47 biomedical scientists from India and 06 from the GN. The data was analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Complementarity of skills and resources, access to funds, improved quality of work, an opportunity to conduct multi-centric studies, development of collaborative networks, better and larger number of publications, mutual learning, opportunity to work with credible researchers, address common interests, leverage interpersonal and trusted relationships and larger societal good were some of the critical factors for eagerness of participants in joint scientific endeavors. However, the challenging aspects of dissent and disagreements were the power imbalance between the collaborators, the development of a trust deficit, and local administrative issues. The challenges reported in the current publication, also echoed in several previous publications can be surmounted and negotiated amicably when the rules of the game, law of the land, sharing of the credits, and interest of the collaborating parties are addressed and agreed up in a fair and just manner before the start of the collaboration. Overall biomedical partnerships are complex collaborations with its challenges, the processes are dynamic and outcomes are emergent. This requires constant and proactive evolution of the preparation, implementation and sustainability of the collaborative efforts be it national or international.

Trust as a Determinant of Subjective Well-Being in Russia

The article considers social trust as a key element in the structure of social capital. Based on the results of international and Russian research, the role of trust in socioeconomic development and its impact on subjective life satisfaction is revealed. We discuss the circumstances of the “trust deficit” as a possible reason for Russia’s significant lag behind the leading countries in world happiness ratings. The data sources for our empirical research are the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey – Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) and the World Values Survey. In our empirical analysis, special attention is paid to overcoming the problem of endogeneity, which arises as a result of two-way causal relationships between trust and happiness. The hypothesis of a significant positive effect of generalized social trust on life satisfaction in Russia is confirmed by the results of econometric modelling. Our results fit into the broad context of international studies of the social capital impact on subjective assessments of the quality of life. Based on Russian data, we confirm the conclusion that the impact of increasing social capital on subjective well-being across the whole society is strongly positive. The conclusion of our work concerns the possibility of raising the subjective well-being of Russians by improving informal institutions by means of social trust strengthening.

Deficit of Trust in Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Relations: An Evaluation from a Security and Economic Perspective from 2001 to 2021

At the crossroads of Central and Southern Asia lie two Muslim neighbors i.e., Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similarities in religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history were predicted to cement the harmonious bilateral connection between the two countries. There have been a lot of obstacles to the development of positive relations between the two republics ever since they were established. Afghanistan's alone neighbor and a key commercial partner, Pakistan and the two countries have a difficult history despite Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistan's seaports and international trade. Tense relations began with the conflicts over the Durand line and Pakhtunistan stunt supported by Afghan government and were exacerbated by subsequent events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the American involvement in the country after September 11, 2001. A large number of refugees fled to Pakistan as a result of these invasions, shaking up the country's politics and economy. India's involvement in Afghan politics has had a major effect on Pakistan's interests in the country and the surrounding region, especially after September 11th, when the United States attempted to offset Chinese influence in the area. India's engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan's support in the US invasion of Afghanistan are at the root of the current state of bilateral ties. Normalizing bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan may require the involvement of a third party or agreement on confidence-building measures to enhance the welfare of persons living on the other side of the Durand line and encourage amicable interactions between the two countries. Using a qualitative approach, this article investigates the causes and consequences of the current mistrust in bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on economic and security problems in the wake of 9/11.

From Perception to Prediction: Leveraging Explainable AI in Self-Driving Cars for Enhanced Passenger Trust

Self-driving cars hold immense potential for revolutionizing transportation. However, public acceptance hinges on trust in the car's ability to navigate safely and make critical decisions. This trust deficit stems from the "black box" nature of traditional machine learning models used in self-driving cars. Passengers are left in the dark about the car's perception of the environment and the reasoning behind its actions. This research proposes leveraging Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques to enhance passenger trust in self-driving cars. By incorporating explainability into the perception and prediction modules of the car's decision- making system, we aim to provide passengers with real-time insights into how the car perceives its surroundings and translates those perceptions into driving decisions. This paper explores various XAI methods suitable for self-driving car applications. We discuss the integration of these techniques into the perception and prediction pipelines, enabling the car to explain its reasoning behind lane changes, obstacle avoidance maneuvers, and other critical actions. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach through user studies, assessing how explainability can improve passenger trust and comfort in self-driving vehicles. The ultimate goal of this research is to foster greater transparency and trust in self-driving car technology, paving the way for wider public adoption and a future of safe and reliable autonomous transportation.

Effect of blockchain technology adoption on construction supply chain: a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach

Purpose The construction industry is frequently scrutinised by the public for a variety of issues, including waste, inefficiency, narrow profit margins, scheduling setbacks, budget overruns, quality concerns, trust deficits, transparency issues, coordination challenges, communication issues and fraud. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of blockchain technology adoption on the construction supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey that was conducted among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, which resulted in a selection of 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, enabling a thorough assessment of the proposed relationships and offering valuable insights specific to the construction industry. Findings The study’s findings validated the conceptual framework established. The results indicated that implementing blockchain across all stages of the construction supply chain has the potential to improve the construction process. The study also revealed that blockchain technology will significantly affect the construction supply chain in a positive manner. Research limitations/implications This research was carried out in the South-western region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method. The study holds implications not only for local construction practices but will also contribute to the broader discourse on national construction sector challenges and possible solutions. Practical implications The findings of this study will be immensely beneficial to both professionals, practitioners and stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry in learning about the potential of blockchain technology application in improving the construction supply chain. Originality/value The study in this paper constructed and evaluated a conceptual framework by exploring the connections between the variables. The results have significant implications for the construction sector, as they provide avenues for enhancing the construction process and the overall supply chain. These findings are valuable for researchers examining the potential effects of blockchain technology on the construction supply chain.

Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modelling of Bjorka Using Support Vector Machine and Latent Dirichlet Allocation

A wide range of data is now easily accessible via the microblogging service Twitter thanks to the rapid advancement of technology. The Bjorka controversy, one of the most talked-about topics right now, has generated numerous comments from the general public and thus has risen to the top. The Bjorka phenomenon is an obvious example of cybercrime, with a sharp uptick in incidents occurring in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sentiment analysis employing the Support Vector Machine technique allows for the statistical analysis of public opinion about Bjorka as it appears on the Twitter social network. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) will be used to analyze the sentiment analysis with SVM results, which have been separated into positive and negative sentiments. In this study, using LDA for sentiment analysis resulted in an accuracy of 89.5%. Dismantling government data, including personal data and government crimes, was the most positively predicted topic, with 75.2% of all predictions leaning in that direction. It is hoped that the government will be able to use the information gleaned from this study to better understand the public’s perspective and the trust deficits that need to be addressed

Political trust and legitimacy crisis in the age of COVID-19: an assessment of the EndSARS protest in Nigeria

The article examined the manifestations of political trust deficits associated with people's response to policy choices of Nigeria's government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other states, the African states and particularly the Nigerian government adopted WHO-recommended containment measures to limit the spread of the virus and the associated catastrophe. These measures included lockdowns, shutdowns, social distancing, and personal hygiene among other preventive procedures. Even though the pandemic was relatively less endemic in Africa, as per official statistics, African states swiftly implemented the WHO containment measures, which impacted negatively on the livelihood of the average household, who depends on daily incomes for survival. The worsening living condition caused by the containment measures expectedly deepened resentment against governments in Africa with already poor records of public service delivery, accountability, transparency, and human rights. Nigeria was one of the African countries that experienced citizens' backlash and violent outrage against government policy choices during the COVID-19. Under the guise fighting police brutality, youths staged mass anti-government protests that transformed into large scale violence, particularly in the southern parts of the country otherwise known as the “EndSARS Protests.” The protests were conceived against police brutality in the enforcement of COVID-19 measures. This article examined the outbreak of EndSARS protests as a transformation of the deepening of political trust deficits in age of COVID-19. It adopted qualitative approach using documentary evidence such as newspaper reports and official documents as instruments of data collection. The Institutional Performance Theory guided the article. The theory assumes that the actual performance of government determines citizens' level of trust and confidence in public institutions. The article found that perennial government inefficiency, limited accountability and transparency as well as poor human rights records of the government and its agencies, particularly the police exacerbated an already existing political trust deficits amongst the people in Nigeria. This was manifested in the outburst of a large-scale violent outrage by the youths as protest to the government containment measures and widespread dysfunctional governmental institutions and particularly police brutality. The article concluded that building trust is particularly important for governments, as this can be achieved through output sense, the provision of public goods, or social support.