An Exploratory Model of Antecedents and Consequences of Public Trust in Government

This paper presents an integrative theoretical model of public trust in government by distinguishing the factors directly related to government activities and contextual factors. Especially, new variables that reflect the current discussions on trusting-relationships with government are introduced – such as process-oriented performance, bureaucratic politics in citizens’ perspective, and constantly – influencing contextual factors. With regard to consequences of trust, in addition to behavioral responses like political participation and public compliance, citizens’ attitudes toward expansion of government roles and governance structure are included. Introduction Public trust in government is considered essential to good governance. High level of public trust leads to reduced administrative costs and citizens’ greater compliance with laws and regulations (Levi 1998; Tyler 1998; Fard & Rostamy 2007). Public trust in government also helps reconcile the need for political accountability and the demand for the discretionary power needed to create a flexible administration by encouraging citizens to accept expanded government authority (Ruscio 1997; Kim 2005). Over the past few decades, however, public trust in government has been declining in the developed world. Reversing this decline in public trust in government has become an important goal of modern government in countries the world over. Reversing such decline in public trust in government has become an important goal of modern government in countries around the world. Numerous studies have been conducted to identify and examine the factors that contribute to the decline in public trust in government. For example, studies have argued that the economic situation, administrative performance of government institutions and programs, irresponsiveness and dishonesty have been found to influence public trust in government; others have suggested that social capital, political scandals, and media intervention can explain declining levels of trust in government (i.e., Nye 1997; Orren 1997; Thomas 1998; Putnam 2000; Mishler & Rose 2001; Vigoda 2002). Most studies, however, show particular aspects of trust or have not developed an integrative framework which includes most of important factors affecting the level of trust. Nye (1997) points out that each of these studies offers only a partial explanation because the causes of trust are complex. Kim (2005) also claims that scholars of public administration have largely failed to develop an appropriate model of public trust that both explores the concept of trust and appropriately addresses its antecedents and implications. In particular, trust is affected by not only government-related variables but also environmental factors, so it is critical to take all of such relevant factors into account. Furthermore, with respect to the consequences of trust in government, public attitudes towards