Trust In Government Research Articles

Limitations of trust and legitimacy in blockchain: exploring the effectiveness of decentralisation, immutability and consensus mechanisms in blockchain governance

PurposeThis paper examines to what extent blockchain creates legitimacy and trust in different modes of public governance. It posits that while blockchain aims for political legitimacy through decentralising, immutable and consensus-based mechanisms, the execution of these mechanisms is limited in legitimating governance, which has knock-on effects on trust. It provides an original contribution by recontextualising and reframing blockchain as a governance mechanism that should, and must, perform a legitimating function in order to engender trust.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a comprehensive framework for understanding the legitimacy of blockchain governance, positioning it in terms of co-governance, self-governance and hierarchical governance modes. It systematically analyses blockchain whitepapers, legislation, government documents and other sources in three paradigmatic case studies where blockchain governance failed. These cases are then used to assess blockchain according to three key characteristics of decentralisation, immutability and consensus.FindingsThe research finds that blockchain’s use in governance settings still relies on legitimacy conferred from other sources – namely state – in order to generate trust. Significant limitations in its de facto political decentralisation, immutability and consensus protocols can create failures in co-governance, self-governance and hierarchical-governance applications, thus limiting the legitimation function of blockchain in facilitating political trust.Originality/valueThese findings are significant in highlighting blockchain’s limitations as a decentralised, immutable and consensus-driven legitimating tool, which has knock-on effects on trust in technology and governance more broadly. It also has broader implications in more clearly highlighting the interconnectedness of political trust and legitimacy in governance processes.

The social gradient of trust in government: An empirical analysis based on the 2019 wave of the Chinese Social Survey

Recent research on trust in the Chinese government has increasingly focused on whether it can be seen as the civic foundation of political stability. Differing from previous studies discussing the authenticity of the high mean level of trust in China, this paper responds to this discussion by examining how trust in the government varies across different social classes. By analyzing data from the Chinese Social Survey, our research revealed a gradient in trust towards both central and local governments across social classes, with notably lower trust observed in the lower classes. The social gradient was more pronounced in trust towards local governments compared to the central government. Furthermore, we found that the implementation of equity-oriented policies was effective in bridging the gap in trust between classes. These findings not only indicate that highly stratified trust may lead to potential risk to political stability, but also provide valuable insights into government behavior and its consequences, which are essential for guiding the transformation of governmental functions in the future.

Local government performance: promoting trust in local government and reducing trust gap

ABSTRACT This study elaborates the link between local government performance and the trust gap between higher trust in national government and lower trust in local government. The data in this paper come from China, which is characterised by an apparent trust gap between upper and lower government echelons. Ten national surveys are used for preliminary statistics, three of which are used for regression analysis and robustness testing. This paper finds that good local government performance can significantly increase trust in local government and thus narrow the trust gap between central and local government. In addition, by comparing the effect of cultural factors and local government performance on narrowing the trust gap, this paper finds a more critical role for local government performance. Therefore, in order to promote the balance of trust between national and local government, the focus should be particularly on improving local government performance.

Sámi trust in hydropower governance: A survey study

The collaborative water governance literature, especially that concerned with trust, has paid scant attention to Indigenous Peoples. In this paper, we present the results from a survey targeting the Sámi population in Sweden, exploring trust in key state and industry actors in the governance of hydropower. The results demonstrate a widespread signal of low trust, which is correlated with a confluence of factors: a strong concern with negative impacts from hydropower on Sámi culture, experiences of limited opportunities to influence decisions, and a perceived low competence as well as limiting attitude from governance actors. Regarding the role of demographic variables, we report on some notable deviations from previous research about institutional trust. We discuss how collaborative governance initiatives often-times are launched to strengthen trust, but that design and implementation failures can, counter-productively, serve to erode trust among Indigenous constituencies. If Sámi trust is to be strengthened, then it will require state authorities and hydropower companies to genuinely engage with Sámi rights claims and ensure influence in decision-making. Our findings also have direct policy relevance, pointing to the need for a steep learning curve if the pending review of hydropower licenses, launched by the Swedish government, is to play a meaningful role in addressing past and ongoing impacts of hydropower on the Sámi People.

Trust in Government and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors

High levels of trust are positively correlated with increased collaboration, prosocial actions, and heightened adherence to preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies on trust during the pandemic have primarily focused on either cross-sectional data or its impact in conjunction with other related variables, such as political party affiliations or vaccine availability. In this study, we employed a national survey panel comprising data from 760 individuals interviewed at three intervals between July 2020 and January 2021. We used pooled datasets, panel datasets, and dependent variable lags to control for time-invariant unobservable variables and endogeneity. Our findings reveal that trust in government influences individuals’ behavior when they are requested to follow public interventions. Notably, trust in local government is associated with increased adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors, similar to the effect observed with an annual income exceeding $100,000.

Trust in Government and Tax Compliance in Indonesia and Malaysia: Do Ethics and Tax Amnesty Matter?

This study examines the moderating role of tax amnesty and the mediating role of ethics in the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance among taxpayers in Indonesia and Malaysia. The data were analysed using the structural equation modeling to examine the mediating role of ethics and hierarchical regression analysis to test the moderating role of tax amnesty in the relationship between trust and tax compliance. Based on the sample collection using the purposive sampling method, the study included 529 respondents from Indonesia and 137 from Malaysia. The findings reveal that the relationship between trust in government and taxpayer compliance is statistically significant with ethics as full mediator in Indonesia. However, the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance is not statistically significant in Malaysia. Ethics has a direct effect on tax compliance in both countries. Tax amnesty does not show a moderating effect in the relationship between trust in government and tax compliance. However, it plays a negative predictive role for tax compliance in Indonesia. This study will assist the government in developing tax compliance strategies to increase tax revenue with the launch of a similar program without neglecting the honest taxpayer.

Fiscal Illusion and Democratic Maturity: Exploring the Roles of Information, Trust, and Participation in Citizens’ Perception ff Taxes and Spending

The concept of fiscal illusion is a paradox in public finance; that is, people believe that it is possible to expand government services despite decreased revenues. Evidence suggests that fiscal illusion relates to democratic maturity, considering the lack of transparency, trust, and participation in developing countries. Accordingly, an important research question arises: What factors remedy such misperceptions of fiscal situations? This study explores these factors through a survey experiment. The empirical evidence indicates that citizens’ fiscal illusion decreases when transparency in the fiscal process is ensured through information, trust, and participation. This research contributes to the field of public administration by identifying the factors that reduce fiscal illusion in public finance management and providing important policy implications, namely, that developing countries should make more efforts to reduce citizens’ illusion regarding public spending for sustainable growth by transparently disclosing financial information and ensuring trust in government and civic participation.

Monitoring the Public Health and Safety Impact of the Groningen Gas-Extraction Crisis

Abstract Background Gas extraction in the Dutch province of Groningen began in 1963 and was initially seen as an economic boon for the nation. Yet, it turned into a significant burden for the region, leading to earthquakes, damage to houses and property, complicated compensation processes, recovery, and reinforcement programs, as well as a lack of recognition. In 2016, the research group Gronings Perspectief (GP) was established with the objective of independently monitoring the public health and safety impact of the gas-extraction crisis from the residents’ perspective. Methods Monitoring activities take place in dialogue with sounding boards comprising residents, professionals, scientists, and local and national governments. GP employs a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Representative panel surveys are conducted yearly among residents in the provinces of Groningen (twice) and Drenthe (once). Additionally, 20 in-depth interviews are carried out each year, alongside a survey among households in the reinforcement program. GP analyses the periodic health monitors conducted by municipal health authorities. All reports are publicly accessible. Results Since 2016, monitoring consistently points to a profound and enduring effect of housing damage on health and well-being, subjective safety, risk perceptions, trust in governments and agencies among residents. The impact of the procedural burden imposed by governments and institutions, is as significant as the effects of earthquakes and housing damage. Conclusions GP’s findings were included in a parliamentary inquiry, which concluded in 2023 that the interests of residents were persistently neglected in favour of economic gain. New risk reduction and reconciliation programs are introduced. Despite the recent decision to end the gas extraction, continuation of GP is needed to monitor further developments. Key messages • GP’s stakeholder-driven monitoring approach made the impact of the gas-extraction crisis visible. • Enduring public health and safety risks, beyond the gas extraction, require continuing monitoring.

Citizen’s perspective on pandemic preparedness

Abstract In the aftermath of COVID-19, pandemic preparedness has become a key concern for governments and public health institutes across the world. As policymakers and scientist grapple with the lessons learned and implications for pandemic preparedness, it is also imperative to take the perspectives of citizens into account. To explore the perceptions and expectations regarding pandemic preparedness, the Behavioural Unit of RIVM conducted a qualitative follow-up study amongst a representative sample of Dutch citizens. At different locations in the Netherlands focus groups were organized with diverse participants. The topic guide was based on an analysis of a previously administered pandemic preparedness questionnaire and theoretical framework, also presented in the current workshop. Topics included risk perceptions, trust in government and other institutions versus self-reliance and the role of media and communication. Furthermore, pandemic preparedness was contrasted with other forms of disaster and crisis management. During the presentation the latest results are shared, and we will discuss possible policy recommendations and how the general public can be involved to develop a better understanding of their needs with respect to preparedness.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Kasus Korupsi Syahrul Yasin Limpo di Kompas.com

Corrupt practices in Indonesia are a major problem that causes financial losses andundermines public trust in government and justice system. This phenomenon has become a widespreadsince pre independence till Reformasi era, and involves various levels of government. The mass mediaplays an important role in publicizing corruption cases, shaping public opinion, and influencing the political agenda. This study aims to analyze the framing of the news coverage of the Syahrul Yasin Limpo corruption case by Kompas.com from February 29 to May 10, 2024. The framing analysis method is used to observe how the media shapes reality and presents news, as well as identify power dynamics and relationships between the parties involved. The results of the study show that Kompas.com focus on certain aspects that affect the public's view of the case. This study provides an understanding of the influence of media framing on public perception of corruption cases in Indonesia.Keywords: Analysis of Framing, Kompas.com, Corruption, Mass Media, Syahrul Yasin Limpo

Perceived political incivility and trust in government: the moderating roles of election news exposure and favorability of election outcomes*

ABSTRACT While extensive research has shown that political incivility can lead to unfavorable democratic outcomes, our understanding of the dynamics in election campaigns is limited. The current study investigates the effects of perceived political incivility on trust in government by taking into account both informational and motivational factors during elections: the distinct channels through which individuals receive election news (institutional, social media, and messaging applications) and whether the election outcome is (un)favorable to the individual. Drawing from the literatures on online incivility and motivated reasoning, we argue that both election news exposure and favorability of election outcomes could moderate the effects of perceived incivility. We conducted a two-wave panel survey (pre- and post-election) during the 2022 Malaysian General Election (Wave-1 N = 1800; Wave-2 N = 901). We found that increased incivility perceptions over time and unfavorable election results diminished trust in government, and there was evidence that increased exposure to election news from institutional news sources increased trust in government from pre- to post-election. For those who found the election outcome unfavorable, increased social media exposure resulted in a greater loss of trust in the government in response to increased perceptions of incivility during the campaign. These results underscore the importance of both informational (news media) and motivational (favorability of election outcome) factors, as well as their combined effects on individuals’ responses to political incivility during elections.

Research on the Impact and Solution Strategies of Blockchain Technology on Data Security and Transparency in Enterprise Digital Transformation

Abstract: This research delves into the profound impact of blockchain technology on enhancing data security and transparency during enterprises digital transformation. By dissecting blockchains core attributesdecentralization, immutability, and advanced securitythis study elucidates how it offers pragmatic solutions to prevalent challenges such as data breaches and opaque information processing. Leveraging an extensive literature review, meticulous case analysis, and expert insights, the article comprehensively illustrates blockchains diverse applications in ensuring data integrity and enhancing transparency across critical sectors, including financial services, supply chain management, and healthcare. Furthermore, the study identifies and deliberates on existing research gaps in blockchain technologys application within digital transformation, proposing a systematic framework to deepen comprehension of its role in this process. Moreover, it conducts an in-depth analysis of the technical, operational, and environmental hurdles hindering blockchain adoption, offering a series of action strategies to enable enterprises to harness their potential effectively amidst the swiftly evolving digital landscape. Through this comprehensive inquiry, the article underscores the strategic significance of blockchain technology in augmenting corporate operational transparency and data security. Additionally, it elucidates how blockchain can bolster corporate governance, compliance, and stakeholder trust. Overall, this synthesis provides a thorough review and profound insights into research findings, underscoring blockchains pivotal role in addressing contemporary digital challenges while furnishing invaluable strategic guidance for industry innovation and advancement. The research outcomes hold substantial implications for practitioners and researchers, signaling the transformative potential of blockchain technology in reshaping enterprise operations and charting a course for future exploration in this pivotal domain.

Enhancing Performance in Construction Project Management Teams

The seminar paper provides a pragmatic perspective of the topic of enhancing performance in construction project management teams. The paper provides a detailed collated review of several key areas pertaining to construction project management teams and their performance based on the findings of previous research. The study has focused on a range of aspects namely, leadership, competence and capabilities, effective communication, decision-making, interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence, project management and governance approaches, trust, psychological safety, and team culture. Each sub-topic (aspect) has been structured in a manner that includes a brief introduction to the aspect, its importance for construction projects, the current state in construction projects, strategies, and approaches to eliminate the issues and contribute to increase in the team’s overall performance and finally, the novel strategies and tools pertaining to the focus area. The author anticipates that the content provided in this seminar paper shall be beneficial for effective decision making by organizational leadership and for the project leadership and the team to pay more consideration towards the strategies and approaches to enhance the elaborated aspects that are often overlooked in construction projects.

Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector: Causes, Consequences and Sustainable Solutions

Corruption in Nigeria's public sector has long hindered the nation's development, stability, and prosperity. It permeates various facets of governance and society, leading to detrimental consequences, including economic stagnation, social injustice, and the erosion of public trust. Historical factors, such as the legacy of colonial exploitation and successive post-independence governments' mismanagement, have entrenched a culture of corruption. Despite efforts to combat it, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), corruption remains pervasive. This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the complex dynamics of corruption in Nigeria's public sector. Using Albert Bandura's social learning theory as the theoretical framework, and it explores how corrupt behaviors are observed, imitated, and reinforced within the public administration. The research identifies multiple causes of corruption, including institutional weaknesses, economic pressures, and cultural norms, which create an environment conducive to corrupt practices. The consequences of corruption are enormous: It undermines economic growth and development, deters foreign direct investment, exacerbates poverty and inequality, erodes public trust in government, and fuels political unrest and instability. Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach involving the strengthening of institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability, improving public sector management, and fostering a culture of ethical leadership. Sustainable solutions to combat corruption include; enhancing the capacities of anti-corruption agencies, to be independent of the executive body, implementing public procurement reforms, ensuring budget transparency, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption measures.

Effects of religion, politics and distance to providers on HPV vaccine attitudes and intentions of parents in rural Utah.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes an estimated 300,000 high grade cervical dysplasias and 36,000 preventable cancers each year in the United States alone. Despite having a safe, effective and long lasting vaccine since 2006, the rate of uptake has been suboptimal, particularly in rural areas. In 2020, Utah ranked near last in teenage HPV vaccination rates with rural areas trailing urban areas by about 18 percent. In this study, we identified factors that affect the intent of rural Utah parents to vaccinate their children against HPV. A survey was distributed electronically to Utah residents in rural areas. Recruitment was carried out through targeted advertising, community organizations, and professional survey panels. The survey was open from Nov. 15, 2022 to April 15, 2023. A total of 410 respondents were used for analysis. Survey results were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Distance to care was shown to negatively influence direct intent to vaccinate, while trust in government, general vaccine attitudes, and HPV knowledge positively influence intent to vaccinate. It was found that religious practice decreased vaccine hesitancy while cautious sexual attitudes, distance to care, and general negative vaccine attitudes increased vaccine hesitancy. Conservative political identity and high income were both shown to decrease vaccine hesitancy as covariates.

Exploring Public Acceptance of Climate Technologies: A Study on Key Influences in South Korea

The accelerating climate crisis is driving a rapid increase in interest in climate technologies aimed at overcoming it. However, even if effective technologies emerge, their impact may be hindered without public acceptance. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the factors that influence the acceptance of new climate technologies. This exploratory study investigates the key factors influencing public acceptance and the recommendation of climate technologies in South Korea. Utilizing an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, survey data from 200 participants were analyzed. The study identified that facilitating conditions, innovativeness, social influence, and trust in government are the most significant predictors of public intent to accept or recommend climate technologies. The results highlight the critical role of strategic communication, infrastructure, and public trust in promoting the adoption of climate solutions. Furthermore, qualitative interviews suggest that a shift towards Personally Determined Contributions (PDCs) could empower individuals to become proactive agents in climate action. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, providing a strategic direction to enhance the public’s engagement with climate technologies and foster a more sustainable future.

Trust and accountability in times of crisis

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic took place against the backdrop of growing political polarization and distrust in institutions. Did deficiencies in government performance further erode trust? Did citizens' ideology interfere with how they processed information on government performance? To investigate, we conducted a pre‐registered online experiment in Spain in November 2020. The treatment group was provided with information on the number of contact tracers in their region, a policy under the control of regional governments. We find that individuals greatly overestimate the number of contact tracers. When we provide the actual number, we find declines in trust in governments, willingness to fund public institutions, and COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance. We also find that individuals endogenously change their attribution of responsibilities when receiving the treatment. In regions where the regional and central governments are ruled by different parties, sympathizers of the regional incumbent react to the negative news on performance by attributing greater responsibility to the central government. We call this the ‘blame‐shifting effect’. In these regions, the negative information does not reduce voting intention for the regional incumbent government. These results suggest that political accountability may be particularly difficult in settings with high polarization and where areas of responsibility are not clearly delineated.

Tax Service Quality, Trust in Government and Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in North Rift Economic Bloc

Purpose- The study sought to establish the indirect effect of trust in government on the relationship between the tax service quality and tax compliance among SMEs in North Rift Economic Bloc, Kenya.Design/Methodology- Based on the social contract theory, this study has a positivist philosophy that is informed by an explanatory research design. The target population was 21,232 SMEs; the sample size used in this study consisted of 393 SME owners/managers selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and Cronbach's alpha with factor analysis was used to establish the instrument's reliability and validity. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to test the hypothesis, and hierarchical regression using the Hayes Process macro was performed.Findings-The study revealed that tax service quality (β =.541, p=.000<0.05) and trust in government (β =.375, p=.000<0.05) are significantly positively related to tax compliance. In addition, the tax service quality was found to have a significant effect on trust in government (β =.395, p =.000<0.05). In addition, the results showed that trust in government mediates the relationship between tax service quality and tax compliance (β =.1482, CI=.0981, .2015).Practical Implications- These findings underscore the need for governments to improve the quality tax services, as this may be able to help in gaining public trust which will ultimately increase SMEs compliance with taxes. There is scope for future research to incorporate mixed-method approaches in order to discover yet more factors affecting tax compliance.

Correlates of public compliance with COVID-19 regulations in Taiwan

PurposeThis study explores the determinants of public willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations to address the research gap at the intersection of public health and law enforcement within the unique sociocultural context of Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing survey data from New Taipei City in 2021, the analysis involved multiple linear regression models to assess the influences of psychological conditions (i.e. distress and self-efficacy), community compliance and perceptions of government (i.e. general trust in government and specific perceptions of police procedural justice) on compliance tendencies while controlling for individual demographics.FindingsThe results indicated that self-efficacy, perceived community compliance, trust in government, and police procedural justice are positively associated with public compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Among these variables, trust in government and police procedural justice were identified as the most prominent factors, followed by self-efficacy and perceived community compliance. As demographic factors such as age, gender and education did not significantly affect willingness to comply, psychological, social and governmental influences are more powerful determinants of compliance than static demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence from Taiwan on the factors shaping public compliance during an unprecedented global pandemic. It highlights the importance of fostering governmental trust and enhancing police procedural justice during periods of stability to secure compliance with public health directives in times of crisis.

Understanding Tax Morale: A Critical Review of Its Impact on Compliance and Policy

This research aims to analyse tax morale’s effect on compliance, focusing on socioeconomic, cultural, and institutional influences, particularly in developing economies. We utilise a literature review to explore theoretical and empirical insights into tax morale and compliance, assessing the impact of trust, fairness, and governance. Key factors like government trust and fairness perceptions are identified as crucial to tax morale. We also highlight the role of corporate governance in shaping compliance strategies. This study enhances understandings of tax morale’s determinants and compliance implications, offering a theoretical framework for future research. As such, we recommend policy and educational measures to improve tax morale and compliance, emphasising the importance of trust and fairness. However, the review’s scope is limited to available literature, suggesting empirical research is needed to validate these findings further. Keywords: board of directors, determinants of tax morale, tax compliance, tax morale