Levels Of Trust In Government Research Articles

Building on a conceptual distinction between trust in commitment and trust in competence, this study develops a fourfold typology of political trust. It then assigns respondents from a World Values Survey module conducted in 13 nondemocracies to those trust types using a clustering process guided by their corresponding ideal types. The results show that respondents reporting the same level of trust in government can belong to different trust types. Moreover, respondents from two trust types are particularly likely to engage in activism: one includes commitment trusters, who have high trust in government commitment but low trust in its competence, and the other includes those with low trust in both dimensions. This study effectively categorises respondents into conceptually derived trust types, reveals the effects of political trust on political participation in nondemocracies, and illustrates the value of constrained clustering for measuring multidimensional constructs based on a priori theoretical conceptualisation.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked the need for appropriate government responses in health-disaster situations worldwide. This study analyzes the impact of governments' non-pharmaceutical measures on the number of deaths from COVID-19. In particular, it further analyzes how trust in government moderates government measures. Through this analysis, this study aims to explore the government's appropriate role in overcoming future health disasters by understanding the effectiveness of government measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study collected and analyzed national data provided by various international organizations for countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). To estimate the relationship between various policy measures and COVID-19 related deaths, it employed panel data analysis using random effects, since only three years of data, ranging from 2020 to 2022, were utilized. Results: The main findings of this study are as follows. First, suppression measures which include measures that place relatively stronger restrictions on people's behavior were directly related to decreases in the number of total deaths. However, mitigation measures which consisted of weak-intensity measures were directly related to increases in the number of deaths. Second, higher levels of trust in government were directly related to decreased numbers of deaths. Finally, the moderating effect of government trust on suppression measures was not tested, but the moderating effect on mitigation measures was confirmed. Conclusions: This study presents the following implications. First, governments' non-pharmaceutical measures in times of pandemic need to consider various environmental factors of the country. Second, trust in government can be an important environmental condition in overcoming health-disaster situations. In particular, trust in government weakens the side effects that can be caused by government measures. Third, suppression methods that directly affect people's movement and daily life had a positive association with decreases in the number of total deaths, and the correlations of these measures in overcoming the health-disaster situation were confirmed.

Introduction. The full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine has caused extraordinary challenges for the budget system of Ukraine, and has necessitated the search for effective systemic steps to implement measures to ensure the resilience and security of territorial communities. Problem Statement. The public finance system has faced an extremely high level of risks and challenges - a significant increase in defense spending, an increase in the deficit, and, as a result, public debt, a decrease in state and local budget revenues. Significant resource constraints necessitate the development of effective systemic steps in the use of financial instruments in programs to ensure the resilience and security of territorial communities. Purpose. To develop practical tools for assessing the effectiveness of the use of financial instruments in order to effectively overcome the consequences of military aggression and ensure the socio-economic recovery of territorial communities. Methods. The following methods were used: a systemic approach, analysis and synthesis, forecasting method, and other methods. Results. A two-scenario forecast of events for territorial communities of various types and a set of measures to ensure their resilience and security have been developed, which will be reflected in the formation of relevant budget programs. Conclusions. The priority task today is to create conditions for the restoration of territorial communities, ensuring their resilience and security. Using the example of demining programs, a system of indicators for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of budget expenditures is presented, which will help assess the achievement of the outlined strategic goals, improve the quality of financial resource planning, and increase the level of trust in government at all levels.

ABSTRACT The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities for governments to respond to crises with greater efficiency. However, current studies have paid limited attention to AI’s role in crisis communication and its potential impact on public perceptions of government trust when crisis communication strategies vary. In this study, we conducted a 2 (Disclosure of AI usage: No, Yes) by 3 (Crisis Response Strategies: Instruction-based, Care-based, Integrated) online-between-subject experiment to explore how AI and crisis response strategies influence trust in government. Additionally, we tested the moderating role of AI knowledge to see if the diffusion of AI influenced people’s trust in government in the crisis context. The results reveal that among the crisis response strategies, the integration of instruction-based and care-based approaches elicited the highest level of trust in government. A three-way interaction showed that a higher level of AI knowledge elevated trust for those who saw messages incorporating a care-based approach by generative AI.

ABSTRACT This paper investigates how Myanmar's 2021 military coup, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced citizens’ trust in government and health-protecting behaviors. Based on an original survey conducted in 2022, we find that: (1) trust in government significantly declined after the political change; (2) adherence to health-protecting behaviors also decreased after the coup; (3) in both pre- and post-coup periods, the level of trust in government is positively associated with people’s health-protecting behaviors; and (4) individuals who experienced a greater decline in trust also reported a more substantial reduction in health-protecting behaviors.

In the context of globalization, accompanied by growing ethnic diversity, the management of multi-ethnic societies is becoming one of the key tasks of public policy. Of particular importance is the development of effective communication strategies aimed at strengthening civic identity, preventing ethnic conflicts and increasing the level of trust in government. The article examines theoretical approaches to the formation of such strategies, their principles and methods of implementation. Using the example of Russia and Kazakhstan, various models of strategizing are analyzed, demonstrating how to adapt interethnic policy to the unique social, cultural and historical characteristics of each society, ensuring the harmonization of interethnic relations and sustainable development of the state. Particular attention in the study is paid to the institutionalization of interethnic interaction, which includes the creation of sustainable and effective structures that promote dialogue between different ethnic groups. This involves their active participation in the political and public life of the country, which strengthens social stability. The work identifies successful practices aimed at harmonizing interethnic relations. It is emphasized that the key factors of successful strategizing are inclusiveness, openness of the authorities to dialogue and consideration of historical and cultural characteristics of the regions. The analysis of the proposed approaches and models of strategizing demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive and systemic approach that takes into account not only socio-cultural, but also economic and political aspects of interethnic interaction. The solutions considered in this work are highly adaptable, which makes them applicable in a variety of contexts.

BackgroundAn Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak occurred in North Kivu between 2018 and 2020. This eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo was also grappling with insecurity caused by several armed groups. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to utilizing Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) by non-Ebola patients during the crisis.MethodsA qualitative case study was conducted in Beni and Butembo with 24 relatives of 15 deceased non-EVD patients, 47 key informants from healthcare workers (HCWs), as well as community leaders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore three key areas: (i) the participants’ illness history, care pathway, care, and social support; (ii) their perceptions of how EVD affected the care outcome; and (iii) their opinions on the preparedness, supply, use, and quality of healthcare before and during the outbreak. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed using Atlas-ti 8.0.ResultsNine of the 15 deaths were female and their ages ranged from 7 to 79 years. The causes of death were non-communicable (13) or infectious (2) diseases. Conspiracy theories, failure to establish security, and the concept of the ''Ebola business'' were associated with misinformation and lower levels of trust in government and HCFs. The negative perceptions, fear of being identified as an Ebola case, apprehension about the triage unit, and inadequacy of personal protective equipment resulted in a preference for private or informal HCFs. For half of the deceased’s relatives, the Ebola outbreak hastened their death. Conversely, community involvement, employing familiar, neutral, and credible HCWs, and implementing a free care policy increased the number of visits. These results were observable despite a lack of funds, overstretched HCWs, and long waiting time.ConclusionsOur findings can inform policies before and during future outbreaks to enhance the resilience of routine HCFs by maintaining dialogue between HCWs and patients, and rebuilding confidence in HCFs. Quantitative studies including context analysis are essential to identify the determinants of care-seeking during such a crisis.

Compared to previous generations, young adults today report lower levels of trust in government, law enforcement, and their communities. This study investigates neighborhood factors influencing social trust among Arizona young adults during the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Through an analysis of online survey data for a sample of young adults ( N = 1,376) who participated in the Arizona Youth Identity Project, we explore how neighborhood diversity, population density, racial identity, and political affiliation are associated with social trust and voting preferences. We find that Arizona young adults’ trust in police and their neighbors varies by neighborhood diversity and racial identity, with residents of mostly White neighborhoods reporting higher levels of trust. Additionally, support for Trump is highest among young adults who expressed high trust in local police. This study underscores and begins to unpack the interplay between race, space, and trust in shaping political identities and preferences.

Purpose. To determine the limits of the integrative nature of the category “trust in government” and analyze the mutual influence of the level of trust in government and management and the level of civic activity of the population, as well as raise the question of the dual influence of the process of strengthening trust in government. Methodology: dialectics, analysis. Conclusions. On the one hand, trust is a factor in the stability of the state system and a predictor of active civic participation. Strengthening trust in the authorities on the part of the population is permanently necessary. But, on the other hand, a high level of trust in the authorities reduces the indicators of civil participation of the population in solving the affairs of society and the state. Due to the fact that increasing the level of trust, as practice shows, reduces the civic activity of the population, it is necessary to look for ways to activate the participation of citizens in the affairs of society and the state, to create a culture of participation in society while strengthening trust in the activities of government bodies. Scientific and practical relevance: scientific and practical significance. The article is aimed at raising questions for the research activities of legal scholars and the work of practitioners about finding directions for activating civic participation, a balance between measures to increase trust in authorities and maintaining citizens’ interest in participation, co-production and management.

Examining public preferences for wood smoke mitigation policies in the sub-Arctic

Confirmation bias, information selection, and belief reinforcement about the safety/risk of nuclear spent fuel storage facilities

This study explores moderating and mediating mechanisms that determine the effectiveness of government responses to media messages about a risk. Focusing on the risk of radiation-contaminated water originating from Japan, it investigates how uncertainty, gain and loss frames, and trust affect the risk communication process. A survey experiment tested the extent to which media messages about a risk in conjunction with government responses to those messages would either amplify or dampen an unwarranted reaction to the risk (in this case, the intention to refrain from consuming seafood). The experiment was conducted among 982 adult residents of South Korea and consisted of a 2 message uncertainty (mentioned vs. not mentioned) × 2 government response frame (gain vs. loss) between-subjects design with conditions randomly assigned. Our conditional process model (Model 12 using PROCESS macro) yielded three main findings. First, neither the uncertainty of the message nor the type of government response frame had significant direct or interaction effects on unwarranted behavioral intention (UBI). Second, among those with a high level of basic trust in government (BTG), government messages with a gain frame generated a higher level of trust in the government’s response (TGR). Third, a gain-framed government response also generated a lower level of UBI via TGR, but only among those with a high level of BTG.

Abstract This paper explores citizens’ stances toward the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public services in Norway. Utilizing a social contract perspective, the study analyzes the government–citizen relationship at macro, meso, and micro levels. A prototype of an AI-enabled public welfare service was designed and presented to 20 participants who were interviewed to investigate their stances on the described AI use. We found a generally positive attitude and identified three factors contributing to this: (a) the high level of trust in government (macro level); (b) the balanced value proposition between individual and collective needs (meso level); and (c) the reassurance provided by having humans in the loop and providing transparency into processes, data, and model’s logic (microlevel). The findings provide valuable insights into citizens’ stances for socially responsible AI in public services. These insights can inform policy and guide the design and implementation of AI systems in the public sector by foregrounding the government–citizen relationship.

Distrust in government among people of color is a response to generations of systemic racism that have produced preventable health inequities. Higher levels of trust in government are associated with better adherence to government guidelines and policies during emergencies, but factors associated with trust and potential actions to increase trust in local government are not well understood. The COVID-19 Community Recovery study sampled participants from the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's NYC Health Panel, a probability-based survey panel who complete health surveys periodically. Participants who lived in one of three historically disinvested communities in NYC where the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has dedicated resources to reduce health inequities were included. The cross-sectional survey was fielded from September 30 to November 4, 2021 and could be self-administered online or conducted via CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese by phone). Demographic data were summarized by descriptive statistics. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors predictive of trust in local government as a source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. Open-ended responses about strengthening residents' trust in local government were coded using an iteratively generated codebook. In total, 46% of respondents indicated NYC local government was a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines, relatively high compared to other sources. In bivariate analyses, race/ethnicity, age group, educational attainment, length of time living in NYC, and household income were significantly associated with identifying NYC government as a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. In multivariable logistic regression, no variables remained significant predictors of selecting local government as a trusted source of information. Key recommendations for local government agencies to build residents' trust include communicating clearly and honestly, addressing socioeconomic challenges, and enhancing public COVID-19 protection measures. Study findings demonstrate that nearly half of residents in three historically divested NYC communities consider local government to be a trusted source of information about COVID-19 vaccines. Strategies to increase trust in local government can help reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and protect public health.

Trust in authorities is important during health emergencies, and there are many factors that influence this. The infodemic has resulted in overwhelming amounts of information being shared on digital media during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this research looked at trust-related narratives during a one-year period. We identified three key findings related to trust and distrust narratives, and a country-level comparison showed less mistrust narratives in a country with a higher level of trust in government. Trust is a complex construct and the findings of this study present results that warrant further exploration.

Governments rely on citizen compliance to implement policies. Yet, in the current climate where citizens express low levels of trust in government, gaining compliance can prove challenging. Scholarship suggests other factors that might promote compliance even in the absence of trust. We examine two: expertise and descriptive representation across race, gender, and partisanship. We experimentally activate general (dis)trust in government and use a conjoint experiment to examine multiple factors that might shape citizens’ willingness to comply with and trust government guidance related to COVID-19. We find that shared partisanship and consultation with experts have the largest effects. We also see an effect of shared racial identity on compliance for Black Americans, at least when trust is relatively low. As we consider the role of trust, expertise, and descriptive representation across race, gender, and partisanship simultaneously, the results offer important insights into factors that underpin citizens’ willingness to comply with government mandates. Our results have important real-world implications, highlighting the importance of bipartisan responses to crises as well as ensuring racial representation in government. They also demonstrate that explicitly involving experts in decision-making processes increases citizens’ willingness to comply with policy.

Abstract Since 2015, Venezuela has been home to numerous protests, instigated mostly by people's discontent with the government and its public services. Despite the seriousness of these protests, limited studies have examined the Venezuelans’ evaluation of their government and democracy, and only a few of these studies have used quantitative analysis. To fill this gap, this article offers a snapshot of the ongoing crisis using the Americas Barometer survey data collected between 2016 and 2017. We first identified Venezuelans’ three main concerns during this time—shortage of food and necessities, economic crisis, and crime—and examined their relationships with the respondents’ trust in government and satisfaction with democracy. We found that shortages of food and necessities and increasing crime were negatively associated with Venezuelans’ trust in their government (although shortages were a more significant factor than crime). The long‐standing problem of economic crisis was not a significant factor in people's trust in the government. Furthermore, these three factors were not directly linked to Venezuelans’ satisfaction with democracy, but people who showed low levels of trust in government tended to have low satisfaction levels with Venezuelan democracy. Our results invite future studies to compare different times and contexts in Venezuela's ever‐changing political landscape.

Taming the wildfire infosphere in Interior Alaska: Tailoring risk and crisis communications to specific audiences

Abstract This original analysis of the World Values Survey waves of 2007, 2012 and 2018 reveals important relationships among political trust and satisfaction, happiness, views of corruption, local elections and activism from the last half of the Hu Jintao administration through the first five years of Xi Jinping's rule. These data shed new light on the deeper dynamics underlying the high and growing levels of trust in government documented in other studies. Among this report's more novel findings, we find increased trust in government coincides with decreased local electoral participation, suggesting that participation in local elections is not key to perceptions of regime legitimacy. Views of corruption and a sense of personal efficacy through non-institutionalized forms of political participation such as peaceful demonstrations appear more relevant. Thus, constraints on people's ability to engage in peaceful demonstrations are likely to negatively impact views of regime legitimacy. In addition, the report uncovers demographic variations in these dynamics, indicating that regime legitimacy is more precarious among citizens at the bottom of the socioeconomic hierarchy and among younger Chinese. Overall, these findings complicate existing explanations of regime legitimacy centring on economic performance, nationalism, responsiveness/adaptiveness and efforts to combat corruption.

What is the geography of political trust? Influential studies point to a growing urban-rural cleavage between low-trust authoritarian populists in rural areas and higher-trust liberal pluralists in densely populated urban areas. We use data from the World Values Survey and European Values Survey, covering nearly 100 countries, to test whether development has a moderating effect on the urban-rural divide in political trust. Our results reveal that at high levels of development, there are similar levels of trust in government between people living in urban and rural areas, while at low levels of development we find higher levels of trust for rural populations compared to those residing in urban areas. These findings add an important caveat to the standard account of the ‘geography of discontent’ in advanced industrial democracies, while suggesting the need for further investigation of the trust gap in the developing world and its implications. How trust is spatially distributed matters for how polities are governed, and is consequential for electoral behaviour, trends and outcomes.