Trust In Government Institutions Research Articles

This paper explores the use of conceptual metaphors in British political speeches by Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. It aims to show how metaphorical framing directs public opinion and shapes British national identity. This research contributes to the growing body of linguistic studies investigating political discourse to construct public perception and legitimise authority. The mix-methods approach utilising Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Critical Discourse Analysis, and Framing Analysis, this study examines the frequency, type, and cognitive mappings of metaphors used in selected speeches. Metaphors are classified into three categories: ontological, structural, and orientational. Findings show that each political figure employs different metaphor types to reflect their political stance. For Boris Johnson, ontological metaphors dominate (55%), with structural (35%) and orientational (10%) framing Britain as a tangible project and Brexit as a purposeful journey, evoking sentiments of liability and optimism. For Queen Elizabeth II, ontological metaphors also prevail (60%), alongside structural (20%) and orientational (20%) patterns that frame government as doer/protector and Britain as actor/scientist, projecting continuity and steady progress through public unity and trust in governmental institutions. For Theresa May, structural metaphors lead (50%) over ontological (45%) and orientational (5%), presenting governance as a journey or a battlefield, which communicates duty under constant hardships, framing her initiatives as hard-won progress. These patterns demonstrate how metaphor functions as a stylistic device and a cognitive and ideological tool, systematically framing political agency, articulating continuity, improvement, and aligning a certain leadership persona with culturally accepted narratives that construct public sentiment.

Purpose: This study explores the role of public budget transparency and accountability in preventing corruption and inefficiency. It investigates how governance mechanisms and digital tools, such as e-governance and e-procurement systems, affect public trust in government institutions. Research Method: The study employs a systematic literature review, analyzing secondary data from various sources to examine the effectiveness of transparency and accountability across regions. The research focuses on regional differences between developed and developing countries and identifies critical factors such as institutional strength and citizen participation. Results and Discussion: The findings show that transparency mechanisms, particularly those supported by digital technologies, significantly reduce financial reporting errors and enhance public trust. However, transparency alone is not practical in regions with weak governance structures. Successful implementation requires strong accountability measures and active public involvement. Implications: The study suggests governments should combine digital tools with institutional reforms to ensure adequate public oversight and participation. Public administrators and policymakers must develop governance frameworks that encourage transparency and accountability. Future research should examine the influence of political, cultural, and social factors on the success of transparency initiatives.

The article presents an analytical review of existing mechanisms for combating corruption in the public administration system. The main vectors of anti-corruption policy, legal and organizational instruments used both in Russia and abroad are examined. Particular attention is paid to the importance of public participation, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process and increasing the accountability of civil servants. Examples of successful fight against corruption in such countries as Singapore, Sweden, South Korea and Brazil are given. A conclusion is made about the need for a comprehensive approach combining legislative measures, control mechanisms and active participation of society in order to achieve a sustainable reduction in corruption and strengthen citizens' trust in government institutions.

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of patriotism as a key value of Russian youth in modern conditions. The theoretical aspects of the concept are considered through the interdisciplinary prism of philosophy, sociology, political science, and pedagogy. In addition, various concepts of patriotism of Russian and foreign scientists are analysed. Special attention is paid to the transformation of its semantic content in the youth environment, where traditional values are combined with pragmatic orientations towards personal development and social justice. Based on sociological data, the main challenges to the formation of patriotic consciousness are identified: impact of globalisation, socio-economic problems, intergenerational gap, crisis of trust in government institutions, and transformation of family education. The dual role of the media, which can both weaken and strengthen patriotic attitudes, is emphasised. A systematic model for strengthening patriotism is proposed, including modernisation of educational programmes, development of civic institutions, and implementation of a balanced state policy. It is concluded that it is necessary to combine traditional and innovative approaches, taking into account the digital transformation of society and peculiarities of youth consciousness. Particular importance is attached to practice-oriented forms of education, project activities, and digitalisation of patriotic education. The materials of the article are valuable for specialists in the field of education, youth policy, and sociology, offering practice-oriented solutions for the formation of conscious patriotism in new socio-cultural conditions.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of digitalization in taxation, with a specific focus on the case of Kazakhstan. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the role of modern digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, and electronic services in enhancing tax administration efficiency, improving transparency, reducing the shadow economy, and creating favorable conditions for taxpayers. Methodologically, the study applies comparative analysis, system analysis, forecasting, and dynamic assessment, supported by international benchmarking. The paper reviews major digital projects implemented in 2024, including e-Salyq Business, e-Salyq Azamat, electronic invoicing systems, the “e-Qarzhymin” integrated platform, and the “Treasury-Client” service. Statistical indicators demonstrate that these initiatives have accelerated payment processes, reduced administrative costs, and increased overall tax revenues. The findings indicate that digitalization of taxation is not limited to technical modernization but represents a strategic driver for sustainable economic development. It strengthens citizens’ trust in government institutions, improves budgetary stability, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, and aligns Kazakhstan’s tax system with international best practices. The conclusions of the study emphasize that expanding digital solutions in taxation is essential for reducing the shadow economy, ensuring equitable tax collection, and improving Kazakhstan’s global competitiveness. The article ends with recommendations aimed at optimizing digital transformation policies in tax administration.

In modern political systems, public opinion plays a significant role in strengthening trust and maintaining the legitimacy of power. Today, many countries face a crisis of trust in government institutions, the consequences of which impact political stability. Therefore, the effectiveness of political communication between the government and society remains a relevant issue, particularly in the context of Kazakhstan’s adherence to the principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article is devoted to identifying and analyzing the factors and barriers that influence the reputation of public authorities in Kazakhstan. A review of academic literature has made it possible to develop an understanding of the concept of governmental reputation and its relationship with political trust and public expectations. State reputation is viewed as both a resource of power and the result of public perception, shaped by the performance of government institutions, citizens’ experiences in interacting with them, public communication, established trust, and expectations. The article analyzes the role of measures adopted in Kazakhstan to improve feedback mechanisms in political communication. Based on primary and secondary data, the study highlights the characteristics and level of public awareness regarding political processes as an indicator of their impact on the perception of authority. The research emphasizes the issue of communicating the image of public power. Keywords: political reputation, image, government portrayal, public perception, political communication

Digitalization in the education sector, particularly through e-government, is key to enhancing service effectiveness and efficiency in academic information systems. However, the application of this technology often faces challenges in terms of student acceptance, as it is the primary user. Using the Unified Theory of adoption and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the E-Government Adoption approach, this study endeavors to explore the determinants affecting the adoption and utilization of the Academic Information System at Tidar University. The variables studied include performance expectations, convenience expectations, social influence, supporting conditions, security and privacy risks, and trust in government. This study used quantitative methods and involved 247 active students of the State Administration Study Program as respondents. Questionnaires were utilized for data collection in this research, and the responses were examined using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a Partial Least Squares (PLS) method. The analysis showed that the utilization of the system was substantially influenced by variables including performance expectancy, social influence, trust in governmental institutions, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention. Meanwhile, effort expectancy, perceived risk, and security risk have no significant effect. These results verify that the optimal utilization of academic information systems on campus is significantly influenced by performance expectation, social influence, and trust in government

This study explores the relationship between administrative transparency and public trust in government institutions and agencies, emphasizing the role of transparency in fostering accountability, legitimacy, and public confidence. Using a qualitative literature review methodology, this research synthesizes existing studies, theories, and conceptual frameworks surrounding transparency in administration. The analysis highlights how transparent practices, such as open communication, clear decision-making processes, and accessibility of information, influence public perceptions of trustworthiness. Additionally, the study examines the factors that enhance or undermine transparency, including political culture, media influence, and institutional frameworks. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation between higher levels of transparency and increased public trust. The research concludes that administrative transparency is a critical factor in strengthening public trust, thereby improving governance outcomes and fostering a more engaged citizenry. This review contributes to the understanding of transparency as an essential tool for good governance and policy development.

ABSTRACT Effective social media management within local government plays a central role in fostering high-quality engagement. Such engagement not only reflects active user participation but also promotes meaningful interactions, enhances transparency and responsiveness, and strengthens public trust in government institutions. This study analyzes the social media management practices of local government in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the City of Bandung, and examines their impact on high-quality engagement. This study employs a case study approach combined with quantitative content analysis using the Intelligence Socio Analytics (ISA) application. The findings reveal two key aspects that significantly contribute to high-quality engagement and offer potential contributions to the development of Digital Engagement theory: positioning official government accounts as the top-of-mind source of information for Bandung residents and establishing comprehensive social media management guidelines. The study recommends that social media management should not rely solely on casual, humorous, or entertaining content. Instead, it requires innovative strategies, including the development of a distinct account character that becomes a top-of-mind reference, as well as a paradigm shift toward more outward-facing, citizen-oriented management practices.

The research is aimed at in-depth study of the perception of conflict of interest among public servants of Kazakhstan and finding out how they tend to view this phenomenon as a manifestation of corruption. The objective is to understand how the level of awareness, and education affects the perception of conflicts of interest, and to propose approaches that will help improve regulatory measures. The study employs a mixed methodology, including quantitative, and qualitative data analysis. The research was based on a sociological survey of 10,255 public servants of Kazakhstan, the data of which were analyzed using regression models. According to the study, 82.8% of respondents indicated that difficulties in ensuring compliance with ethical standards contribute to conflicts of interest. At the same time, most respondents associate such conflicts with potential corruption threats. Moreover, regression analysis shows that perceptions of conflict-of-interest policies depend on respondents' understanding and education level. More education leads to critical views on measures, while insufficient understanding impairs perception. The study contributes to the discussion of conflict of interest regulation in the public sector, emphasizing the importance of the educational level and awareness of public servants for effective regulation. The findings are useful for developing more effective anti-corruption and regulatory strategies. Practical implications of the research include updating regulatory policies to address conflict of interest perceptions, enhancing public service ethics through targeted training, and strengthening management and monitoring mechanisms. These measures will improve transparency and thereby increase public trust in government institutions.

ABSTRACT We examined the familiarity and popularity of epistemically suspect COVID‐19 claims and their associations with cognitive, social, and demographic factors in a sample of people living in Finland ( N = 1077) during the pandemic (September 2021–January 2022). Endorsement of these claims was associated with pseudoscientific beliefs, less actively open‐minded thinking, and preference for anecdotal information. Among social factors, lower trust in governmental institutions, science, and scientists, and reliance on alternative media were linked to higher endorsement. Regarding demographic variables, higher education was associated with lower endorsement, though this effect was fully mediated by cognitive and social factors. Men endorsed epistemically suspect COVID‐19 claims more than women, and endorsement decreased with age. These findings highlight the importance of education in fostering critical thinking skills and trust in institutions and science to effectively combat health‐related misinformation.

This study aims to analyze the influence of employee performance and public service quality on public satisfaction at the Banjar Tanggul Village Office, Pungging District, Mojokerto Regency. The background of this study is based on the understanding that village employees are the spearhead of public services, so good performance is a crucial factor in building public trust. In addition, professional public service quality is also a key component in creating public satisfaction. Good public service quality is a fundamental requirement for increasing citizens' trust in government institutions. The research method used is quantitative with an associative approach. The research sample consisted of 38 respondents determined using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires, then analyzed using multiple linear regression methods to test the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The results showed that employee performance has a positive and significant effect on public satisfaction. Similarly, the quality of public services has a significant positive effect on the level of public satisfaction. Simultaneously, these two variables have been proven to play an important role in increasing public satisfaction with village government services. The conclusion of this study is that the better the employee performance and the higher the quality of public services, the higher the public satisfaction. Therefore, village governments are advised to continuously improve their staff performance and service systems. Continuous improvement is key to achieving professional and satisfying public services. The implications of this research emphasize that employee professionalism, public service quality, and good village governance are crucial for building public satisfaction and trust.

The emerging threat of H5N1 avian influenza in humans has renewed the need for effective public health communication strategies, especially in light of reduced public trust in governmental institutions. During recent health crises, personal healthcare providers, particularly physicians, have emerged as the most trusted sources of information, surpassing institutions like the CDC and local health departments. This study explores the role of physicians as key messengers for health information related to H5N1 risk, vaccine guidance, and interventions among the U.S. population. A nationally representative survey of U.S. adults was conducted from August 5-15, 2024, employing phone, text, and online panels. Respondents were asked about trusted sources of health information and preferred vaccine advisors, along with sociodemographic variables. Weighted logistic regressions were used to identify associations between trust in messengers and sociodemographic factors, with results stratified by urban and rural populations. Physicians were the most trusted messengers for health information (76.2%), followed by personal research (36.7%) and local/state health departments (32%). Vaccine advice was most frequently sought from physicians (53.0%), with substantial differences in trust and advice preferences based on age, income, ethnicity, and political affiliation. Notably, trust in physicians was lower among Black and Hispanic respondents compared to White respondents, highlighting disparities in public trust. Physicians play a crucial role in public health communication for emerging threats like H5N1, especially given diminished trust in institutional sources. Effective communication strategies should leverage physicians' trusted status while addressing demographic differences in trust to enhance public engagement and adherence to health advisories across diverse communities.

The article considers the process of digital transformation of public administration in Russia, where the provision of services in electronic format is one of the important functions of the executive autority. Key indicators for the development of e-government show significant growth: in 2023, more than 340 million services were provided through the Gosuslugi portal, which is 100 million more than in the previous period. The main directions of service modernization include the introduction of a customer-centric approach through “life situations”, the development of superservices (for example, “Online University Admission”) and the creation of digital platforms (Gostech, FGIS PGS). The research objective of the work is to analyze the methods of transition to a service-oriented management model and identify existing barriers. Among the main obstacles noted are: technological inequality (78.4% access to the Internet in rural areas); organizational contradictions (integration of 68% of information systems); staff shortage (lack of 10 thousand IT specialists). Successful practices are represented by the work of the Regional Management Centers (SDGs) and the Feedback Platform covering 20 thousand authorities. Recommendations to overcome the problems include the development of digital infrastructure, improvement of legislation, implementation of Artificial Intelligence to analyze citizens’ appeals, and strengthening information security. The implementation of the proposed measures is aimed at improving the quality of public services, reducing administrative costs and strengthening citizens’ trust in government institutions in the digital age.

The quality of public services is an important factor in building public trust in government institutions, including the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). This study aims to analyze the quality of public services at the KUA Bandung Wetan, Bandung City, using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Potential Gain in Customer Value (PGCV) methods. The IPA method is used to identify gaps between the level of importance and service performance based on public perception, while PGCV is used to measure the potential for service value improvement by identifying attributes that significantly impact customer satisfaction. This study employs a descriptive quantitative approach with a questionnaire distributed to 46 respondents. The IPA analysis results indicate two indicators that should be prioritized for improvement: Timeliness (KW2) and Transparency of Procedures (TP1), as they have high importance values but suboptimal performance. The PGCV calculations confirm that improvements in these two indicators have the potential to significantly enhance the perceived value of services by the public. This study contributes theoretically by integrating the IPA and PGCV approaches in public service evaluation based on ServQual, and practically by providing strategic improvement recommendations for KUA to sustainably enhance public satisfaction.

The article explores the historical-legal and comparative legal problems of assessing the actions of persons who voluntarily report corruption (from Roman traditions and the Middle Ages to modern legislation in various countries). Using the examples of «actio popularis» and «qui tam», the analysis demonstrates how the idea of encouraging citizens to report offenses — while simultaneously shielding them from false accusations and unjust pressure — developed historically. The core question is whether current legal frameworks and public institutions adequately protect those who decide to expose corruption. Detailed attention is given to issues such as informants’ anonymity and potential rewards, alongside the dangers of abuse in the absence of proper oversight. The study also highlights international experience (e.g., in the United Kingdom, the United States, and several Asian countries) and examines the work of specialized agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), which handles large-scale financial crime investigations. Such a system enhances trust in governmental institutions, helps curb corruption, and lays the groundwork for a more stable and equitable society.

ABSTRACTRecycling wastewater effluent directly into drinking water is an innovative way of increasing water supply and contributes to water resilience in cities by mitigating the impact of droughts, climate variability, population growth, and increasing demand on conventional water supplies. Despite its adaptive capacity, direct potable reuse is not widely accepted due to various physical and social barriers, including local public perceptions and trust in government institutions. The City of Cape Town, South Africa, is planning to add reclaimed water to its supply portfolio in the aftermath of the 2018 “Day Zero” water crisis; however, numerous barriers exist for this goal to be realized by the target date of 2028. This paper uses a review of empirical studies on water reuse from across the globe and recent gray literature from Cape Town water managers to analyse the barriers and opportunities for direct potable reuse in Cape Town. We conclude the City is well advanced in its technological appropriateness, development of regulatory policy, and achieving public acceptance of water reuse, but will need to solidify a financial framework that structures acceptable tariffs for both cost recovery and fulfillment of their mandate of Free Basic Water.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation Engineering Water > Planning Water Human Water > Rights to Water

Using data from approximately 7,800 school districts, we show that test score declines during the pandemic were large and highly variable. We find that test score declines were larger in lower-income and minority districts, but that within districts, White students and non–economically disadvantaged students lost about the same amount of ground as Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. We find that the test score declines were larger in districts where more of the 2020–2021 school year was spent in remote or hybrid instructional modalities, where students had less access to broadband access at home, where the pandemic led to larger disruptions to local social and economic activity, and in communities where trust in government institutions was low.

The Listening State concept adopted in Kazakhstan aims to increase public trust in government institutions by incorporating citizen input into the policymaking process. However, empirical evidence suggests a substantial gap between declared principles and practical implementation. This study aims to examine the institutional factors that hinder the effective implementation of the Listening State concept within the framework of public administration based on an analysis of local-level public opinion. In 2024, a sociological survey involving 550 voluntary participants was conducted in the city of Turkestan, Kazakhstan, using a questionnaire based on the key principles of the concept. Analysis revealed that 73% of respondents are interested in political matters, but only 45% actively participate in decision-making due to limited awareness of governmental activities. Significant correlations emerged between consensus orientation and accountability (r = 0.65, p < 0.05) and also between rule of law and transparency (r = 0.66, p < 0.05). However, an insignificant link was found between participation in decision-making and political events (r = 0.02, p > 0.05). Linear regression showed that demographic variables have limited influence on principles. Salary impacts consensus orientation (0.18), gender affects accountability (0.20) and transparency (0.22), occupation influences the rule of law (0.16), while gender and education only slightly influence familiarity with civil society (0.10). The study highlights the need for targeted awareness-raising, simplification of civic engagement, and improvement of institutional accountability and transparency to bridge the implementation gap. The evidence recommends a targeted approach to strengthen the Listening State concept through coordinated efforts by responsible institutions.

This article investigates the impact of religion on public administration in Nigeria, with a particular focus on how religious beliefs and affiliations inform policymaking processes, bureaucratic conduct, and levels of public trust. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative survey analysis. The findings demonstrate that religious affiliation significantly shapes public perceptions of policy initiatives and trust in governmental institutions. Religious leaders are shown to play a pivotal role in the policy arena, frequently acting as intermediaries or gatekeepers between state actors and diverse societal constituencies. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that public trust is positively associated with religious identity, occupational status within the public sector, and age, while gender appears to exert negligible influence. By synthesising empirical evidence with theoretical perspectives on religious pluralism, this research elucidates the dual function of religion as both a foundation for ethical governance and a potential vector for bias. The study concludes by advocating for inclusive policy frameworks, enhanced interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of ethical training among public officials as strategies to advance equitable governance in Nigeria.