Changing dimensions of trust in government: An exploration in environmental policy in Hong Kong

Richard M. WALKER*, Peter HILLS

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal PublicationsJournal Article (refereed)peer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study reports the findings of a 3-year investigation into dimensions of trust in governmental capacity to deal with environmental risks (air pollution, sustainable development, waste, and water). We explore if levels of trust in Hong Kong correspond with the two-dimensional structure identified in the research of Poortinga and Pidgeon. Findings of this multi-method study (survey and focus group) conducted between 2005 and 2008 point towards largely low but unchanging levels of trust in the Hong Kong government. By contrast, the number of dimensions of trust reduced over the study period, pointing towards growing levels of scepticism. This leads us to conclude that, in relation to environmental risks, Hong Kong is characterised by cynicism. These findings reflect a wider argument that there are two underlying dimensions of trust-reliance and scepticism. The implications of these findings are discussed, and strategies to address low levels of trust are outlined. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)123-136
Number of pages14
JournalPublic Administration and Development
Volume34
Issue number2
Early online date3 Mar 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2014
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

The authors acknowledge the contributions of Richard J. Welford, Margaret Burnett, and Stephen Tsang.

Funding

The work described in this paper was fully/partially supported by grants from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China under grant nos. HKU 7427/05H and CityU 7010-PPR-09 and SPPR # HKU 7002-SPPR-11.

Keywords

  • Environmental policy
  • Hong Kong
  • Risk regulation
  • Trust in government

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