University Research
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1
Academic department
Department of Finance
Description
This study examines the relationship between decentralization and public trust in the civil service using a multidimensional framework that extends beyond conventional fiscal measures. Drawing on indicators of regional and local government autonomy across 47 countries from 1995 to 2018, the analysis yields four findings. Trust is higher when local governments, rather than regional authorities, lead service delivery; greater subnational financial self-reliance is positively associated with trust; oversight by higher tiers enhances accountability and citizen perceptions; and shared-rule arrangements that involve regional governments in national decision-making further bolster trust. Overall, the findings highlight the limits of fiscal decentralization alone and underscore the importance of institutional design and balanced decentralization reforms in fostering public trust.
Publisher name
Springer Nature
Grant Information
N/A
Data Management
N/A
Document Type
Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) Link
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10797-026-09948-6
Publication Date
1-28-2026
Publication Title
International Tax and Public Finance
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Michael A., "Decentralization And Trust: Institutional Design For Effective Governance" (2026). University Research. 51.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/university_research/51
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.