The Role of Trust in the Modern Administrative State

Abstract

There is a growing consensus that trust may resolve an enduring tension between political accountability and managerial flexibility in the modern administrative state. This complex issue is dealt with by the development of a model of public trust in government. Theoretical foundations are drawn froma wide range of social science literature in conceptualizing trust, identifying factors affecting the trustworthiness of government, and exploring behavioral implications for effective governance. An empirical test of the present model remains for future research. However, the model suggests that a trustworthy government requires both accountability and flexibility of administration and that trust would serve as a key variable in reconciling this tension by expanding citizens’willingness to accept government authority.

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