Rebuilding Trust in Government: A Mixed Methods Study of Government Transparency
Abstract
Since the 1960s, the United 91短视频s has experienced a persistent decline in public trust in government. The Founding Fathers believed that government could only function with the consent of the governed, making this erosion of trust a significant concern for democratic legitimacy. In response, many scholars and practitioners have championed transparency as a pillar of sound governance and a potential remedy for rebuilding trust. However, the solution may not be as simple as increased openness. Public officials increasingly recognize that transparency alone may have limited or even unintended consequences, especially when public participation is low or administrative resources are strained
This dissertation explores the effectiveness of transparency initiatives, like Ohio鈥檚 Open Checkbook, through the lens of the Integrated Policy-Making Framework and Eckerd and Heidelberg鈥檚 (2020) research on how administrators perceive citizens. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the study draws on statewide survey data from Ohio residents and semi-structured interviews with public administrators. Quantitative findings reveal that participation in Open Checkbook does not significantly increase public trust in isolation. However, when citizens are educated about the program, trust levels improve, suggesting that civic knowledge mediates the impact of transparency. Qualitative findings identify four key themes shaping decision-making. This research contributes to the field by demonstrating that transparency must be paired with civic education and meaningful public participation.