Perceptions Of Government Performance Research Articles

Fiscal transparency and tax morale: is the relationship shaped by perceptions of government performance and corruption?

The potential of fiscal transparency to improve tax morale (or the willingness to pay taxes) has been widely studied. However, the strength of the fiscal transparency-tax morale relationship may depend on how citizens perceive government performance and corruption. To probe these questions, this study draws on data from the World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017–2022), comprising 70,203 respondents from 48 countries, as well as various international governance indicators. The findings suggest that when individuals perceive more government corruption, fiscal transparency is associated with lower tax morale. In contrast, when individuals perceive better government performance, fiscal transparency has limited influence on tax morale. The results imply that the effect of fiscal transparency on tax morale is context dependent and, moreover, may backfire in countries with high levels of perceived corruption. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. Points for practitioners Citizens’ perceptions of government may influence their reactions to fiscal transparency. Efforts to boost willingness to pay taxes through greater fiscal transparency should also consider citizens’ views on government corruption.

Responsive E-government in China: A way of gaining public support

A growing body of research suggests that officials in China are highly responsive to citizens' requests on e-government platforms. However, our understanding of the effects of such responsiveness in China remains limited due to the lack of research from a citizen perspective. By conducting two online survey experiments involving 205 residents of Hubei Province, China, we examined the features of government responses in the e-government context that affect citizens' perceptions of government performance. The findings show that even a delayed and unhelpful response can have a positive impact on citizens' satisfaction with the government. This effect is mediated by the level of perceived government responsiveness. Moreover, citizens are affected more by the usefulness than by the timeliness of the government's responses. These results suggest that by combining the broad implementation of e-government with a higher response quality, the Chinese government can establish a new means of gaining public support.

Ensuring a Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Industry in the COVID-19 Era: Using an Open Market Valuation Technique

Tourism has always been one of the most profitable service industries. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is facing some big problems. As a result, the tourism industry lost a lot of money. This paper aims to find and rank recovery solutions to help the tourism industry. This article investigates two key areas: firstly, how government aid can best be prioritised among the various subsectors of the hospitality and tourism industry, and secondly, whether public assessment of the measures the US government took against the pandemic is related to the outlook for recovery, including the role played by perceptions of government performance and efficacy at handling the crisis and self-efficacy in terms of avoiding infection. Two studies were conducted among US consumers, using different methods of data collection and analysis. The first study utilised an open market valuation technique to explore how governmental aid might be prioritised among the tourism and hospitality industries. The second study used AMOS/SEM to examine travellers’ positive perceptions of the likelihood of hospitality and tourism industry recovery. Study 1 found that all six industry subsectors investigated (hotels, airlines, restaurants, car rentals, casinos and cruise lines) had been influenced negatively by COVID-19, with the heaviest impact felt by hotels and cruise lines. Study 2 indicated that the level of public satisfaction with the US government’s performance in addressing the pandemic was positively related to expectations of hospitality and tourism industry recovery. The findings could guide policymakers in deciding how best to allocate public funds between the different subsectors of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Cognitive bias in citizens’ perceptions of government performance in response to COVID-19: Evidence from a large-scale survey experiment in China

This article explores the cognitive bias in citizens’ perceptions of government performance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were drawn from a survey experiment by manipulating the performance information frame (positive, neutral, and negative) and source (government, scientists, and unofficial sources) with 4,102 Chinese citizens. Findings show that the effect of information frame and source on citizens’ perceptions of government performance is very weak. Additionally, the heterogeneity tests indicate a gender difference in framing effect, and source effect emerges for those located far away from the pandemic epicenter. Frame and source show an interaction effect in the lower education group. The results call for further research on citizens’ cognitive bias in a crisis context.

Foreign aid projects and trust in political institutions

AbstractDo foreign aid projects undermine citizens' trust in local and national political institutions? Drawing on institutional theories of political trust, I hypothesize that foreign aid projects reduce trust in political institutions by lowering citizens' perceptions of government performance and raising perceptions of corruption. To analyze the impact of aid projects on trust, this article utilizes geolocated survey data on citizens' trust in political institutions from Afrobarometer Rounds 2–5 (2003–2012) and data on the location of foreign aid projects from AidData's Aid Information Management Systems datasets for Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. Using a spatial difference‐in‐difference strategy, the empirical results find that active aid projects are on average associated with decreased trust in the president, parliament, and local government council. An exploratory sectoral analysis suggests that the negative average treatment effect is driven by projects in the transportation, agriculture, education, and civil society sectors.

Actors’ perceptions of government performance in support of value chain development in marine small-scale fisheries in Kenya

Small-scale fisheries actor’s perceptions of government performance in implementing value chain development functions outlined in policies and laws, are inadequately studied. The present study conducted in Malindi, Mayungu, Mombasa, Shimoni and Vanga in Kenya, sought to address this gap. The study gauged actors’ perception of national and county governments’ performance towards value chain development objectives and factors influencing such perceptions. Data was collected through field interviews targeting 403 actors consisting of fishers, middlemen and small-scale processors at five locations. A five-point Likert scale was used in recording actors’ perceptions. Results show that the national government was rated better than county governments. Provision of equipment and promotion of value addition and fish marketing were rated lowest, while promotion of cooperation and community-level management were rated highest. Geographic factors emerged as most important in influencing actors’ perceptions, while economic factors had no significant influence. Although objectives of the policy and Fisheries Act had not been fully realized, recent comprehensive reforms are likely to address identified shortcomings.

SNS 활동이 정부 성과 인식에 미치는 영향 분석

SNS 활동이 정부 성과 인식에 미치는 영향 분석

Patterns and Correlates of Dissatisfaction with Government Performance in the Gauteng City-Region, South Africa: A Comparison across Three Government Spheres

With an increasing focus on the need to enhance government performance across the world, this paper explores dissatisfaction with the performance of three spheres of government in the Gauteng City-Region (GCR), South Africa. This paper uses the 2013 Quality of Life (QoL) survey data to examine spatial patterns and correlates of dissatisfaction with government performance as well as whether significant correlates that explain dissatisfaction with government performance vary across the three spheres of government. Results show significant spatial clustering in the levels of dissatisfaction across all three spheres of government, with more significant clustering in the local sphere, followed by the provincial and national spheres. The central core of Gauteng exhibits the lowest levels of dissatisfaction, whilst a clustering of high levels of dissatisfaction occurs in the southern areas. While spatial analysis revealed variation in the correlates across the three spheres, common correlates were also discernible. These include: the percentage of respondents dissatisfied with their dwelling, average sense of safety, average score access to services, percentage of respondents who agree politics is a waste of time, and percentage of respondents who agree that the country is going in the wrong direction. The disjuncture between perceptions of government performance and satisfaction with services is evident in this paper’s results.

Exploring the relationship between government budget information and citizens’ perceptions of public service performance in China

ABSTRACTThis study examines how government budget information affects citizen’s satisfaction with the budgeting process, their trust in government, and their perceptions of public service performance. Using data collected from two waves of large-scale telephone surveys in Guangzhou, China, we found that budget information was negatively associated with budget satisfaction, but positively related to perceived public service performance through increased citizen trust. These findings provide empirical evidence for understanding the complex relationship between budget information and citizens’ perceptions of government performance, and suggest useful strategies for government to enhance citizens’ trust and improve communications with citizens.

경제적·정치적 정부성과에 대한 인식이 정부신뢰에 미치는 영향의 탐색 : 아시아 5개국 국민들의 인식 비교를 중심으로

경제적·정치적 정부성과에 대한 인식이 정부신뢰에 미치는 영향의 탐색 : 아시아 5개국 국민들의 인식 비교를 중심으로

The consequence of an economic boom on the perception of democracy, government performance and public service: Iraqi Kurdistan as a case study

Abstract The economy of Kurdistan has been semi-independent for years, while the Baghdad government had decided to devote 17 per cent of the Iraqi budget towards it. Due to this oil revenue, the budget of Iraq as a whole increased rapidly, and this was reflected in the Iraqi Kurdistan budget. However, in April 2015, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) started to make its economy independent from Baghdad through exporting their oil directly. This study examines the implications of an economic boom on the perceptions of government performance in relation to the provision of public services, the development of democracy and government performance in general. The research adopts a survey method (n=224) with responses from adults aged 18 and over. The research findings suggest that the economic boom reflected negatively on the perceptions of the majority of citizens regarding the government’s performance. The responses indicate that this was because of the lack of public services rather than the development of democracy by the government. The small number of respondents who held a positive perception regarding the government was due to the belief that the government provided sound security rather than sound economic policy and public services with the development of democracy. The research examined the role of demographic and political background as a control variable, and the results showing that, in particular, age, gender, educational background and political affiliation were significant.

Government Performance in the Eyes of Business: An Empirical Study of SMEs in China

ABSTRACTIn countries where evaluation of government performance is closely linked with economic growth, business perceptions of government and the business environment are critical to the local government. However, in the field of public administration, businesses’ perceptions of government performance and its determinants are largely overlooked. This article explores whether perceptions of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the business environment will be influenced by government’s effort to engage the business sector. SME participation and involvement in the policymaking process is likely to result in more connections with government officials and better understanding of government decisions that have a positive impact on firms’ perceptions of their business environment. Using data collected from 2,662 SMEs in China in 2013, it is found that SMEs tend to have a better view of the local business environment if they can participate more in public policymaking processes.

The effect of budget goal clarity, organizational commitment, accounting control, and adherence to laws on the perception of government performance of Central Lombok Regency

This research was conducted to examine the effect of budget goal clarity, organization-al commitment, accounting control and adherence to laws on the perceptions of gov-ernment performance. The respondents consists of the structural positions in a region-al government such as the chair person of a body, an agency, a division, a subdivision, and the team of government performance report of Central Lombok Regency. It used a purposive sampling method to get the respondents. They were asked to respond a set of questions in a questionnaire. Of the 90 questionnaires distributed, only 78 question-naires were valid for analysis. The data were analyzed using multi-linear regression method with SPSS 18.0. The results show that budget goal clarity and organizational commitment have an effect on the perception of government performance. The ac-counting control and adherence to laws have no effect on the perceptions of govern-ment performance. It implies that is important to have observation of planning and budget execution as well as the local government commitment to make the financial transaction control and adherence of laws run effectively. The local government shall obey the existing laws in order to integrate the strategic plan system, governance accounting system, budgeting system and exchequer system into an integrated system by improving human resource and information technology.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CITIZEN SATISFACTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE MUNICIPALITIES

AbstractDespite the fact that performance management has been ubiquitously adopted in the public sector across the world today, there is limited and inconclusive evidence that it improves citizen satisfaction with the government. In this article, we use survey data and multilevel modelling to analyse the effects of multiple performance management components on citizens' perceptions of government performance across 19 major cities in China. The results reveal that performance management does have a positive impact on citizen satisfaction. In addition, citizen participation, performance feedback and accountability, and information openness are positively associated with citizen satisfaction along various performance dimensions in different magnitudes. While we should take account of and mitigate its unintended consequences, our results suggest that it is still promising for public organizations to implement performance management.

Does Transparency Improve Citizens’ Perceptions of Government Performance? Evidence From Seoul, South Korea

Despite a great deal of research that examines consequences of transparency policies, there have been few empirical assessments of the relationship between transparency and citizens’ perceptions of public sector performance. This study focuses upon the relationship between computer-mediated transparency and perceptions of public sector performance in particular. We hypothesize that citizens’ increased exposure to computer-mediated transparency will be positively related to their generalized perceptions of public sector performance. We also hypothesize that this positive relationship is mediated by citizens’ satisfaction with public service provision. Results suggest that increased exposure to computer-mediated transparency is positively associated with citizens’ perceptions of public sector performance, but negatively related to citizens’ satisfaction with public service provision. Moreover, the positive relationship between computer-mediated transparency and perceptions of public sector performance increases when controlling for public service satisfaction, indicating the presence of inconsistent mediation.

Subnational Variation in Electoral Accountability: Local Public Good Investments and Incumbent Support

Theories of democratic governance assume that citizens hold politicians accountable for their performance in providing public services. This study expands the existing debate by shifting its theoretical lens to subnational heterogeneity in satisfaction with government performance and incumbent support. Existing accounts suggest that local political and social contexts are likely to condition citizens’ perceptions of government performance. Since satisfaction with public services is driven not only by policy outcomes but also by the processes involved in decision making, the presence of stronger and denser voice and accountability mechanisms in small local units that increase citizens’ sense of the ability to influence local outcomes is likely to translate into higher satisfaction with government performance independent of the outcome itself. Using an original panel dataset containing detailed information on education and health investments and electoral outcomes in Turkey, I find that particularly health investments have a positive, yet delayed e↵ect on the vote share of the incumbent government. However, consistent with the theoretical expectations, this positive effect is limited only to small districts. A crucial contribution of this study is that the effect of public services on incumbent support is not uniform. By showing that local contexts may condition satisfaction with government performance, and thereby electoral outcomes, the study makes an important contribution to the literature on electoral behavior and distributive politics as well as governance and accountability.

Government Press Releases and Citizen Perceptions of Government Performance: Evidence from Google Trends Data

ABSTRACT:The “media-malaise” thesis argues that media coverage of government activities may have only a minimal or even negative effect on citizens’ perceptions of government performance. This contention is challenged by showing a positive association between government press releases and citizen perceptions. Two streams of empirical evidence are presented. First, a positive association is shown between the number of times the New York City mayor’s name appears in official city press releases and the volume of Internet searches for his name. Then, a positive correlation is shown between Internet search volume for the mayor’s name and the mayoral approval rating.

LEGITIMIDAD Y EFECTIVIDAD COMO FACTORES PARA EL ESTUDIO DEL DESGASTE POLÍTICO EN CHILE POSTAUTORITARIO. (1990-2014)

El presente trabajo analiza la estructura y evolución del desgaste presidencial en Chile desde 1990 a 2014, incluyendo los gobiernos de Patricio Aylwin (1990-1993), Eduardo Frei RT (1994-1999), Ricardo Lagos (2000-2005), Michelle Bachelet (2006-2009) y Sebastián Piñera (2010-2014). Como se trata de cuatro administraciones de la Concertación y una de la Alianza, nuestra perspectiva enfatiza el estudio longitudinal del cambio en los apoyos políticos, buscando esclarecer la importancia, para este proceso, de las expectativas sociales y las percepciones sobre el desempeño gubernamental. Para el análisis propuesto, se utilizan dos mediciones anuales de la encuesta de opinión del Centro de Estudios Públicos (CEP) desde 1990 a 2014.Los objetivos centrales de este estudio son: i) Explicar la evolución de los apoyos políticos de los gobiernos en el período 1990 a 2014, identificando rasgos particulares de cada gobierno, así como también patrones generales, ii) Explicar tendencias y coyunturas de desgaste presidencial con el propósito de identificar ciclos comunes de erosión en los apoyos gubernamentales, y iii) Analizar la relación entre la variación del apoyo político y la percepción sobre legitimidad y efectividad del gobierno.

Western Media Exposure and Chinese Immigrants’ Political Perceptions

Using evidence from an original survey experiment among 3,032 Chinese student immigrants in the United States, I examine how exposure to Western media changes their evaluations of the Chinese government’s performance and their trust in official discourse. My findings suggest that reading Western reports on China shifts immigrants’ perceptions of government performance in different directions, depending on how similar reports are censored in Chinese media. On issues that are strictly censored, immigrants exposed to Western reports became more critical of their home government’s performance and decreased their trust in official discourse. Conversely, on issues that are relatively open to independent reporting, immigrants did not become more critical of government performance, and their trust in official discourse maintained after being exposed to Western information.

Retrospective Voting Reconsidered

We review advances in the study of retrospective voting, or how citizens evaluate and act on their perceptions of government performance. As a whole, the recent literature provides a more complete and nuanced picture of the retrospective voter as sometimes, but not always, effectively incentivizing elected officials to enhance public welfare. Leveraging examples of retrospective voting in areas other than the economy, the field is heading toward a middle ground in which voters resemble decision makers in many other domains. In many cases, a coherent logic governs voters' choices. In other instances, voters make mistakes, often in predictable ways subject to well-known psychological biases. Understanding the circumstances under which retrospective voting achieves effective democratic accountability and when it fails to do so is an important task for subsequent research. We discuss two additional issues for future exploration: a better understanding of normative benchmarks, and increased attention to the relationship between retrospective voting behavior and policy outcomes.