Level Of Trust Research Articles

Do regional trusts alleviate bond market risks? Evidence from the Chinese municipal corporate bond pricing

Municipal corporate bonds have attracted significant attention due to their pricing mechanisms and reflect China's distinct financial landscape. Existing research has highlighted the influence of informal institutional factors on bond pricing. This study introduces the social trust index to measure regional trust levels and assesses its correlation with municipal corporate bond issuance pricing. The empirical analysis indicates that higher regional trust levels are significantly associated with reduced issuance credit spreads for municipal corporate bonds. The relationship is moderated by local economic development and the strength of implicit government guarantees. Employing the “Yongmei” event as a case study, this research explores the dynamics of bond pricing mechanisms following a reduction in government implicit guarantees and finds that a weakening of these guarantees intensifies the influence of regional trust on credit spreads. Additionally, default events are observed to have spillover effects, impacting neighboring provinces and the overall market. This research extends the investigation of regional trust's pricing mechanisms to the municipal corporate bond market, thereby enriching the study of informal institutions' impact on financial market pricing. The findings underscore the importance of effectively harnessing market mechanisms by governments to mitigate risks in the municipal corporate bond sector.

Interpersonal trust in a couple as a sociocultural value

The relevance of the research is the need to identify the features of reducing the value of interpersonal trust in a couple, which leads to a decrease in marriage rates among the Russian population.The problem of the research lies in the presence of deviations in interpersonal trust between men and women and the lack of scientifically based information about the attitude of subjects to trust as a sociocultural value, which prevents the development of effective measures to eliminate deviations in the intergender relationships of partners.The aim of the research is to identify the features of interpersonal trust in a couple as a traditional socio-cultural value.The research methods. The paper uses data from a sociological study conducted in 2024 in the Belgorod region by means of a questionnaire survey. With a quota sample, 1,155 respondents were interviewed.The Results. The study revealed that, for both men and women, the main reason for establishing trust was the presence of identity, individual similarity, common life goals, common interests, and the same rules of behavior. It was found that the majority of respondents trusted their partner much more than other people. The comparative analysis made it possible to talk about the relationships between the level of trust and the duration of the couple's existence. Thus, the lowest level of trust was typical for the young couples formed less than 6 months ago. And the highest level of trust was observed between subjects who had been together for more than 20 years. The correlation analysis led to the conclusion that the highest level of interpersonal trust was manifested in official married couples, and not in cohabitation and not in guest interaction.The Key findings. It has been concluded that following positive traditions and preserving sociocultural values in the interactions of representatives of different sexes is not presented as a cultural and historical relic, but, on the contrary, as a potential for further successful development of the institution of the family. It has been determined that interpersonal trust in a couple between is presented as a socio-cultural value, which largely determines the quality and stability of relationships and interactions between the subjects.

The role of ethical orientation in animal welfare choice behaviour: A segmentation study

Consumers are becoming more and more conscious about their consumption choices, demanding more sustainable, healthy and fair options. Meat consumption especially is under scrutiny for environmental as well as ethical reasons. We develop a set of items to measure ethical orientation and apply it to consumers’ choices of meat products with 3000 consumers across six European countries (Denmark, Germany, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Italy). We find consumer preferences to be similar across countries, with two thirds of consumers showing a preference for animal welfare attributes, especially outdoor access. Consumer segments can be differentiated based on their degree of ethical orientation, environmental concern, level of trust in the food system and price sensitivity. Ethical orientation differentiates between consumers’ self-reported welfare meat purchases. Our results contribute to the literature on consumer behavior regarding farm animal welfare across different meat product and countries.

Boosting repurchase rates in B2C e-commerce: the role of customer satisfaction and relationship factors

This study examines the impact of critical factors on customer behavior in the B2C e-commerce sector, particularly focusing on e-customer satisfaction, electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM), e-service quality, electronic trust (e-trust), perceived value, and the intention to repurchase. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 418 respondents in Jakarta Province, Indonesia, and analyzed via Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) 4.0. The research confirms the significant influence of all 13 hypothesized relationships on the tested variables, both directly and through mediating effects. Key findings reveal that e-customer satisfaction, e-WOM, e-service quality, e-trust, and perceived value serve as critical mediating factors that significantly shape repurchase intentions. Specifically, e-customer satisfaction has been identified as a crucial moderating variable, enhancing the direct effects of other factors on repurchase intentions. Furthermore, the study underscores the paramount importance of e-service quality and e-trust in fostering a positive perceived value among customers, which in turn enhances e-customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases. These insights provide valuable strategic perspectives for online retailers aiming to enhance customer loyalty and facilitate repeated purchases. The study advances the understanding of the interplay between these key factors and their collective impact on customer loyalty in e-commerce. It underscores the necessity for e-commerce platforms to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and trust, ensuring consistent service quality and leveraging positive e-WOM to build enduring customer relationships. Additionally, the implications of these findings are relevant for cross-cultural studies and can be applied across diverse product categories, suggesting broad applicability for future research and practical implementations in e-commerce. This comprehensive analysis not only contributes to the academic discourse on e-commerce but also offers practical recommendations for online retailers to optimize their strategies in a competitive market.

Digital Literacy Landscape of Novice Voters in the 2024 Election in Indonesia

Elections are one of the times when Indonesian democracy runs because the people themselves will choose a pair of president and vice president candidates along with the existing legislature. Voters need to have enough information about the candidates in order to choose the best among them, especially novice voters. Novice voters need to have good digital literacy in facing the upcoming 2024 elections. The 2024 election itself is mostly from young people who are novice voters. The purpose of this study is to determine the digital literacy readiness of novice voters in 2024 elections. In addition, it will also be known what factors influence this readiness and the impact of the readiness of novice voters on their participation in the election later. This study uses a quantitative approach with descriptive methods. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires as primary data and literature studies as secondary data. The results and conclusions obtained in this study are that the majority of novice voters use social media as an information platform about the 2024 elections with varying levels of trust in the information. Most of the respondents chose not to share the information obtained related to the verification of uncertain news.

Generative AI, Innovation, and Trust

Our paper explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into organizations’ innovation and new product development processes, focusing on when and how to trust AI-generated outcomes in this context. We propose a framework to assess the level of trust required based on task-specific needs and the distinction between general and expert AI models. While inaccuracies in GenAI outputs can foster creativity during ideation, higher accuracy, and trust are essential for tasks requiring domain-specific expertise. The paper concludes by discussing the necessary human capabilities and organizational strategies for effectively deploying GenAI in innovation management.

Attitudes and Levels of Concern and Trust Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients Hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran

Introduction: This study aimed to explore hospitalized patients' attitudes, concerns, and trust regarding Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 patients hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran, in 2022. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. The questionnaire included questions about demographic information, attitudes towards vaccination (7 items), levels of concern (14 items), and trust (15 items). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square tests applied. Results: Fifty-three (41.4%) of cases had a history of two vaccinations. Sinopharm was used in 28.12% of patients. The average attitude score was 8.21 ± 2.88, significantly associated with age (p = 0.02), nationality (p = 0.01), education (p = 0.01), and vaccination history (p = 0.02). The mean concern score was 35.41 ± 11.87, significantly linked to gender (p = 0.01) and vaccination history (p = 0.02). The average trust score was 40.50 ± 13.64, significantly associated with age (p = 0.04), gender (p = 0.01), vaccination history (p = 0.01), hospitalization history due to COVID-19 (p = 0.03), and COVID-19 infection history (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The vaccination rate among participants was acceptable. However, concerns about vaccination and its complications were the primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Given that vaccine acceptance across various community groups is as crucial as vaccine development, it is recommended that health organizations provide information on vaccine benefits and address concerns about potential side effects.

Societal Perceptions and Acceptance of Virtual Humans: Trust and Ethics across Different Contexts

This article examines public perceptions of virtual humans across various contexts, including social media, business environments, and personal interactions. Using an experimental approach with 371 participants in the United Kingdom, this research explores how the disclosure of virtual human technology influences trust, performance perception, usage likelihood, and overall acceptance. Participants interacted with virtual humans in simulations, initially unaware of their virtual nature, and then completed surveys to capture their perceptions before and after disclosure. The results indicate that trust and acceptance are higher in social media contexts, whereas business and general settings reveal significant negative shifts post-disclosure. Trust emerged as a critical factor influencing overall acceptance, with social media interactions maintaining higher levels of trust and performance perceptions than business environments and general interactions. A qualitative analysis of open-ended responses and follow-up interviews highlights concerns about transparency, security, and the lack of human touch. Participants expressed fears about data exploitation and the ethical implications of virtual human technology, particularly in business and personal settings. This study underscores the importance of ethical guidelines and transparent protocols to enhance the adoption of virtual humans in diverse sectors. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, marketers, and policymakers to optimise virtual human integration while addressing societal apprehensions, ultimately contributing to more effective and ethical deployment of virtual human technologies.

A triple trust penalty? The majority-minority gap in subjective wellbeing

This study introduces a social capital perspective to the majority-minority gap in wellbeing. We explore the role of social trust and test specifically whether racial and ethnic minorities may experience a triple trust penalty. First is a level penalty, where minorities exhibit lower levels of trust, potentially adversely affecting their wellbeing. Second, there may be a return penalty, where minorities may experience a diminished return from being trustful. Third, there may be a protection penalty, where minorities experience reduced benefits from residing in a high-trust context. Our empirical analyses are based on data from multiple waves of the European Social Survey (Round 4–10, 2008–2020) with over 300,000 individuals from 38 European countries. Our analyses indicate support for the level penalty, but we found no evidence for the return or protection penalties. Specifically, we show that racial and ethnic minorities’ lower levels of trust can have harmful impacts on their happiness and life satisfaction. However, an increase in trust yields greater wellbeing among racial and ethnic minorities, and residing in a high-trust context also appears to have a more substantial impact on the well-being of racial and ethnic minorities as compared to their counterparts. The results suggest that promoting trust can effectively narrow the wellbeing gap among various racial groups.

Bringing employee learning to AI stress research: A moderated mediation model

While a substantial portion of the literature characterizes artificial intelligence (AI) stress as a hindrance, our focus diverges by probing employee learning as an active response to this challenge. We highlight the role of employee knowledge and skills development amidst an enterprise's digital transformation. Drawing on the active learning perspective of the Job Demand-Control model, we investigate why and when AI stress promotes employee learning and subsequent adaptive coping behaviors. We propose that AI stress can create opportunities and resources for employee learning, leading to improved job performance and supportive behavior for digital transformation. Additionally, we examine how employee trust in AI moderates these relationships, finding that higher levels of AI trust are associated with greater use of active learning strategies when faced with AI stress. Our findings, based on a two-wave survey of 224 employees from a motor-vehicle testing company in China, are further supported by post-hoc interview data collected from 32 employees of the same company. Overall, our study contributes to the understanding of AI adoption, digital transformation, and stress learning.

Perceived risk, health protective behavior, and trust: a case study of the flint water crisis

ABSTRACT The Flint Water Crisis exemplifies one of the most significant environmental disasters in the recent U.S. history. While hazard exposure and effects pertaining to the crisis have been addressed, and technical experts have pronounced Flint’s water safe for consumption, media reports and stories from community members suggest that significant distrust remains among residents regarding their water supply. We use data from an online survey administered in Flint and surrounding counties in Southeast Michigan to examine the extent and variation in risk perception, health protective behavior, and trust in these communities with respect to their water supply. Conceptually, we engage the Social Amplification of Risk Framework. Accordingly, Flint residents indeed have higher risk perceptions and report higher negative health impacts compared to residents in surrounding counties. They also report engaging in more health protective behavior. On the contrary, Flint residents express lower levels of trust in entities that are tasked with managing risks. Risk perception, negative health experience, and trust appear as statistically significant correlates of Flint residents’ confidence in their water supply. The salience and variation of attitudes across the region suggests that the water crisis has had ripple effects as predicted by the Social Amplification of Risk Framework.

Federated Learning Frameworks for Secure and Decentralized Authentication

Federated Learning (FL) is a cutting-edge machine learning approach that enables multiple or edge devices to train models collaboratively without sharing sensitive data. This approach not only ensures the privacy and security of data by keeping it localized but also promotes the collective improvement of machine learning models across various participants. A systematic literature review explored integrating Blockchain technology with federated learning. Blockchain's potential to address existing security and privacy vulnerabilities in traditional federated learning systems is analyzed in depth. One of the key benefits of combining Blockchain with FL is enhanced protection against potential attacks, such as data tampering or unauthorized access. The study also examines how Blockchain-based federated learning systems can offer better records and rewards management, contributing to fairer and more transparent systems. In addition, Blockchain's role in improving verification and accountability within federated learning frameworks has been critically evaluated. By integrating Blockchain, federated learning can achieve higher levels of trust and security in collaborative machine-learning processes. The latest research highlights innovative Blockchain-based methods that tackle these challenges, ensuring robust privacy and security measures. Overall, this approach represents a significant advancement in distributed machine learning, aligning with contemporary needs for data protection and collaborative efficiency.

Social Trust Confirmation-Based Selfish Node Detection Algorithm in Socially Aware Networks

Nodes in socially aware networks (SANs) may act selfishly on individual bases due to resource constraints and socially selfish behavior arising from the social preferences of nodes. In response to such selfish behaviors exhibited by nodes, this paper proposes a social trust confirmation-based selfish node detection algorithm (STCDA). This algorithm first utilizes a subjective forwarding willingness detection mechanism to discern selfishness. If a node’s energy is insufficient or its message rejection rate is too high—that is, the node cannot or is unwilling to forward messages—it indicates that the node is selfish. Otherwise, it is evaluated more thoroughly through the node’s social trust detection mechanisms. It calculates the social trust level of nodes based on the benefits of forwarding messages, thereby distinguishing between individually selfish nodes and socially selfish nodes in the network. If further evaluation is needed, the final judgment will be made using the message confirmation feedback detection mechanism. This checks the message information forwarded by nodes in the network. If nodes fail to forward messages after receiving them—excluding reasons such as message expiration or temporary insufficient cache space—it indicates that the nodes are selfish. Results from experimental simulations show that this algorithm performs better than traditional algorithms. Under conditions of 80% selfish nodes, a message TTL of 300 min, and 10 MB of cache space, it improves the message delivery rate by 5.87% and reduces the average delay by 6.2% compared to the existing comprehensive confirmation-based selfish node detection algorithm.

Missing voices: building women living with HIV’s meaningful engagement in HIV clinical and cure research

Women living with HIV are consistently under-represented in HIV clinical trials, including cure trials. Little is known about how cisgender women living with HIV in Australia perceive HIV cure research, their level of trust in research institutions/staff, and factors salient to participation in HIV cure trials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women living with HIV and clinicians working with women living with HIV to investigate motivations and barriers to gender-equitable representation in HIV clinical research. Participant motivations for participation included altruistic desires to benefit younger women, and to optimise resulting interventions. Women living with HIV expressed optimism that a cure would dispel HIV-related stigma and brings about substantial material improvement to their lives. Reluctance to participate related to concerns regarding potential side-effects, antiretroviral treatment interruption, and impacts on fertility. Unfamiliarity with trials, confidentiality concerns and logistical difficulties were also cited. Lastly, onerous eligibility criteria, clinicians’ assumptions about women’s willingness and ability to meaningfully provide consent to participation were cited as barriers which could be addressed. Bolstering women’s participation in HIV cure research requires consideration of factors relating to reproductive health, analytical treatment interruption, and recruitment. Engaging women living with HIV in trial design and promotion may help overcome these issues.

Effects of autonomy support on innovation: resolving the dilemma of participation in innovation with trust

PurposeThis study aims to integrate the componential model of creativity and innovation with a participative safety perspective to investigate the association between autonomy support and innovation as well as the organizational factors that strengthen this association. Specifically, the study suggests that autonomy support is more effective in fostering innovation in organizations characterized by higher levels of trust, strong organizational fairness and effective communication.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed hypotheses were investigated using moderated mediation models with panel data collected over four waves.FindingsThis study found that autonomy support positively contributes to organizational innovation. Moderation analyses demonstrated that trust, perceptions of fairness and communication strengthen the effect of autonomy support on innovation.Originality/valueThis study is the first to demonstrate the moderating roles of various organizational contexts (i.e. trust, fairness perception and communication) in the association between autonomy support and innovation and to investigate the role of trust as a mediating moderator.

PENGARUH PEMAHAMAN WAJIB PAJAK, SANKSI PAJAK DAN TINGKAT KEPERCAYAAN PADA PEMERINTAH TERHADAP KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK DALAM MEMBAYAR PAJAK BUMI DAN BANGUNAN (STUDI KASUS PADA WAJIB PAJAK DI DESA SAGA)

This research aims to determine Taxpayer Understanding, Tax Sanctions, and the Level of Trust in the Government Regarding Taxpayer Compliance in Paying Land and Building Taxes. The research method used is a quantitative method with an associative approach. The population in the study was 6.312 land and building tax payers in Saga Village in 2023, with a sample size of 100 respondents calculated using the Slovin formula with an error rate of 10%. The sampling technique uses convenience sampling technique. The data analysis method uses the validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test, linear regression test, R2 coefficient of determination test, T test, and F test using SPPS software version 27. The results of this study show that partially the variable Taxpayer Understanding and Sanctions Taxes have an effect on taxpayer compliance in paying land and building taxes, while the level of trust in the government has no effect on taxpayer compliance in paying land and building taxes. Simultaneously Taxpayer Understanding, Tax Sanctions, and Level of Trust in the Government simultaneously influence Taxpayer Compliance in Paying Land and Building Taxes.

Impact of Adverse Experiences on Maternal Trust in Pediatric Primary Care

ABSTRACT Caregiver trust in medical providers and the healthcare system is essential to pediatric primary care. Relatively little research has been conducted on contributors to caregivers’ trust, or lack thereof, in aspects of pediatric primary care, especially for those who have experienced adversity. To examine the relationship between caregiver trust and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in pediatric primary care, we measured four aspects of trust in 76 caregivers (74 mothers, 2 aunts) of children at an urban primary care clinic. We ran correlation and regression analyses to examine the relationship between the Philadelphia ACEs and caregiver trust. Results indicated that specific ACEs (e.g. experiencing abuse) were associated with caregiver mistrust in the healthcare system and lower trust in the child’s pediatrician. Some ACEs (e.g. community discrimination) were associated with only general trust. Thus, the relationship between trust and trauma varied based on the levels of trust and types of ACEs.

Escaping uncertainty: overlapping methods of knowledge production and exchange in the naturalization journey

This paper examines how forced migrants integrate individual perception, interpersonal exchange, and extended networks to navigate the naturalization process. By bringing together these three methods of knowledge creation and exchange, we aim to clarify how these strategies interact and overlap to manage uncertainties stemming from naturalization bureaucracy, a complex and often opaque process. Drawing on personal accounts of 30 Syrians in Berlin and analysis of approximately 100 social media posts, our findings illustrate that these methods could be employed concurrently or interchangeably and on the whole in a symbiotic manner, offering migrants multiple pathways to acquire and (in)validate crucial information. Although this synthesis of knowledge production methods is not necessarily conducive to accessing the right in question, in our case naturalization, it becomes necessary to arrive at “informed” decision-making in uncertain environments characterized by low level of trust and asymmetrical power relations. The paper therefore contributes to broader discussions on migrants’ navigation of legal systems and coping mechanisms in the face of bureaucratic hurdles.

Investing in the future: an integrated model for analysing user attitudes towards Robo-advisory services with AI integration

Purpose Recognizing the importance of Robo-advisors in digital financial services, this paper aims to analyse the users’ perception and acceptability of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital investment solutions using an extended “Technology Acceptance Model” (TAM). Design/methodology/approach The model is tested using 454 online valid responses received from Indian Fintech users via direct path analysis, mediation and moderation. Findings The study’s findings show that trust, perceived usefulness and perceived risk all significantly impact users’ attitudes towards Robo-advisors. In contrast, ease of use and social influence did not impact users’ attitudes statistically. Furthermore, the results indicate that their attitudes and ease of use influence users’ intentions to adopt Robo-advisors. Moreover, the moderation effect of gender partly supports the overall model. Specifically, in the path between attitudes and their antecedents, gender plays a role in influencing the relationships among these variables. This aligns with preliminary research in the field, providing additional insight into how gender may moderate the factors influencing users’ attitudes and intentions regarding Robo-advisory services. Research limitations/implications This research study also reveals that trust, perceived risk, ease of use and demographic factors influence the adoption of Robo-advisory services. It is functional, but its sample selection is not probabilistic and overly emphasizes gender. Future research should use probabilistic sampling, other demographic factors and experience and situational factors. Also, it is necessary to examine how convenient and satisfying it is to communicate with service providers. Filling these gaps will improve the knowledge of consumer behaviour in the context of Fintech adoption and develop the current research. Practical implications This study posits that perceived usefulness, trust, perceived risk and ease of use remain core determinants of adopting Robo-advisory services. So, to improve the level of trust of users, it is necessary to develop security measures, data clarity and quality and customer support. Enhancing ease of use by incorporating better interface gestures is always beneficial for increasing the number of users and their level of satisfaction. As identified in previous studies, practical solutions will be achieved by pursuing the increased use of technology while leveraging AI for personal services and minimizing perceived risks, which will strengthen more advanced security measures as well as sufficiently clear communication. Originality/value The paper aims to extend the TAM by incorporating measures of trust and social influence to identify the factors that drive the adoption of Robo-advisors. In doing so, the paper may contribute to developing a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape consumers’ attitudes and intentions towards these technologies. Moreover, the paper appears to examine the moderating effect of gender on attitude and its predictors, which could provide insights into how gender characteristics may impact the adoption of Robo-advisors.

Beliefs of Moroccan patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases regarding medication: related factors and correlation with therapeutic adherence

BackgroundMedication adherence is one of the key elements of the management of patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRDs), adherence/medication regimes are prone to being influenced by beliefs about medicines; such beliefs can influence the management and quality of life of patients. Several factors may be associated with these beliefs, including demographic and clinical factors, as well as socio-psychological factors. The aim of this study is to assess beliefs regarding medications among Moroccan patients with CIRDs, the factors associated with these beliefs, and the correlation of these factors with medication adherence.Material and methodThis cross-sectional study included patients with CIRDs. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and information about CIRDs (type, disease duration, pain evaluation, disease activity and treatments) were collected. Beliefs regarding medication were assessed by the Belief about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ). Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Arabic version of the Compliance Questionnaire in Rheumatology (CQR). Sociopsychological factors, such as catastrophism and trust in physicians, were assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Trust in Physicians Scale (TPS), respectively.ResultOur sample included 189 patients. The average age was 47.49 ± 13.7; 52.4% had comorbidities; and 49.2% had a low level of education. Of the patients, 49.7% were on glucocorticoids, 61.9% on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and 6.3% on biologics. The median necessity-concern differential was 6 [1–12]. Of the patients, 67.4% strongly believed that medication was essential to maintain their health. The long-term side effects were the main concerns about medicines (51.3%). In a multivariate analysis, there was a statistically significant association between low level of education, catastrophizing, methotrexate use, and trust in the physician as independent factors and the BMQ necessity-concern differential as the dependent factor. There was also a significant correlation between CQR and the BMQ necessity score.ConclusionMoroccan patients with CIRDs have a rather positive perception of their medication. This perception seems to influence their adherence to treatment. Low levels of education, catastrophizing, methotrexate use, and trust in physicians are the most important factors associated with patients’ beliefs regarding medication.