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Antecedents of Governmental Trust in The Netherlands

Krikke, Luuk (2023) Antecedents of Governmental Trust in The Netherlands.

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Abstract:Purpose: Governmental trust is an essential aspect of the democratic governmental system, as it is essential for social cohesion and the effective functioning of political institutions. Currently, trust in the government has been decreasing for a while in the entire world, with this trend also impacting The Netherlands. However, very little is known about what specifics cause this downwards spiral in the specific context of the nation. This research paper examines many possible predictors of governmental trust in The Netherlands to find whether previous proven antecedents uphold in this specific context. Method: An online survey based on a theoretical framework on possible antecedents of political and cabinet trust was dispersed among Dutch citizens. The survey responses were then analyzed with the use of correlation analyses and linear regressions. Results: The mean trust was found to be slightly negative. Multiple factors contribute to this trend, however most antecedents cannot be proven as significant. Still, a large number of correlations between the antecedents was found. Furthermore, the fashion in which trust is assessed seems to have a tendency. Conclusion: A lot needs to be taken into consideration when attempting to tackle the current distrust situation. Transparent, more effective communication seems to be the most straightforward way to bridge the gap of trust in The Netherlands. Engaging with citizens, addressing critical government cases, prioritizing people's needs are vital steps toward building trust. Still, more research is needed to actively argue what exact measures are needed to be taken to improve the situation.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies BSc (56615)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/95305
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