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1 – 10 of over 55000
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2022

Carina O’Reilly, Winifred Agnew-Pauley and Sam Lundrigan

Neighbourhood policing is central to supporting public confidence in England and Wales. However, the delivery of neighbourhood policing models is increasingly fragmented and under…

Abstract

Purpose

Neighbourhood policing is central to supporting public confidence in England and Wales. However, the delivery of neighbourhood policing models is increasingly fragmented and under pressure from austerity measures and from changes to demand and priorities. This research aims to understand the current state of neighbourhood policing in the county of “Rackhamshire” and its ability to support public confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted six focus groups, three with officers who were part of Community Policing Teams (CPTs) and three with members of the community who were actively engaged with community policing and local concerns. These were supplemented by two interviews with senior officers (35 participants in total).

Findings

Austerity-driven changes to policing in Rackhamshire have damaged the capacities of CPTs and residents have begun to lose confidence in the ability of the police to respond to their fears. The authors argue that reforms intended to make policing more efficient and effective appear to have the opposite effect on community policing, by preventing it from working in a way that can support public confidence and that this could have longer-term consequences.

Originality/value

The effects of austerity on the mechanisms by which neighbourhood policing supports confidence have been relatively neglected. By exploring the state of these mechanisms in one English constabulary, this research has exposed serious weaknesses in the way that community policing is able to support public confidence and suggests practical operational responses. In light of these findings, this study argues for the urgent reinstatement of earlier models of neighbourhood policing.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Lisa M. PytlikZillig, Alan J. Tomkins, Mitchel N. Herian, Joseph A. Hamm and Tarik Abdel‐Monem

Municipalities commonly ask the public to give input by answering questions about their preferences. There is some belief that input enhances the public's confidence in…

Abstract

Purpose

Municipalities commonly ask the public to give input by answering questions about their preferences. There is some belief that input enhances the public's confidence in government. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether different types of input activities (obtained by phone or online surveys, or via face‐to‐face engagements) differentially impact confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected over two years from different input activities undertaken to inform a city's budgeting and performance measures' determinations.

Findings

Significant amounts of variance in the public's confidence in municipal governments are accounted for by independent predictors such as current satisfaction, perceived trustworthiness, legitimacy, and loyalty to the institution. Compared to online and phone surveys, face‐to‐face input methods seem to have a particularly strong, positive relationship with the public's perceptions of the trustworthiness (e.g. competence, integrity, benevolence) of municipal government officials. Persons who participate in face‐to‐face, online, or phone events differ both in extent of confidence and, to a small extent, in the bases of their confidence.

Research limitations/implications

The study design is correlational rather than experimental and data were not originally gathered to test the identified hypotheses. In addition, it is not prudent to put too much stock in results from only one jurisdiction that relied primarily on convenience samples.

Originality/value

In instances in which enhancing confidence in the institution is a specific objective of public input, this work provides researchers and practitioners with guidance to better anticipate which input technique(s) works best and why.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Dae‐Hoon Kwak, Claudia E. San Miguel and Diana L. Carreon

This study attempts to determine how political legitimacy and regime change affect the level of public confidence in the Mexican police. The current study also aims to examine to…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study attempts to determine how political legitimacy and regime change affect the level of public confidence in the Mexican police. The current study also aims to examine to what extent socioeconomic and attitudinal factors are associated with levels of police confidence among Mexican citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study were obtained from two Mexican surveys conducted as part of the World Value Surveys (WVS) in 1996 and 2005. Owing to the nature of the dependent variable, a series of ordinal logistic regression analyses was employed to examine the effects of political legitimacy, regime change, attitudinal, and socioeconomic factors on public confidence in the Mexican police while controlling other relevant factors.

Findings

Consistent with prior research, results confirmed that public confidence in the police was positively associated with political legitimacy (i.e. support for regime institutions and system support), happiness, life satisfaction, marital status, and religious activity. Yet, age, education, and size of the town were negatively related to public confidence.

Research limitations/implications

Since the current study used secondary data, the availability of information was limited. Only one nation was studied which limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research may attempt to study other Latin‐American nations, including Mexico, in order to address the issue of public confidence in policing on a greater scale. Further, as the police alone cannot take full credit in the public's perception of law enforcement, it is imperative that future studies also examine other government agencies (i.e. courts, prosecutors) that may lend more information on this subject.

Originality/value

While the police and some governing agencies may not be able to change most of the factors studied in this research, they can strive to cultivate better trust among the citizenry and seek to improve quality of life in neighborhoods which may lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction factors that may then increase the level of confidence in the police.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Liqun Cao and Velmer S. Burton

To find out how much confidence the Turkish public have in the police, how that confidence is compared with other relevant countries in the world, and how to interpret the…

Abstract

Purpose

To find out how much confidence the Turkish public have in the police, how that confidence is compared with other relevant countries in the world, and how to interpret the confidence in the police in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from national representative samples were analyzed to compare the levels of public confidence in the police between Turkey and the member states in the European Union, between Turkey and its neighboring countries, and between Turkey and several Muslim societies.

Findings

This paper found that public confidence in the Turkish police was quite high when compared to member states of the EU, neighboring countries, and with selected Muslim nations.

Originality/value

The findings fill an existing void in the criminological literature assessing the Turkish public's confidence in its police. The results should be interpreted in light of the following realities: that Turkey remains a nation with a collectivistic orientation, the possible undifferentiated concepts between the effectiveness of the police and confidence in the police, and the unidimensional measure that was employed to examine public confidence.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2021

Bahriye Basaran-Brooks

Already suffering reputational damage from the global financial crisis, banks face a further loss of trust due to their poor money laundering (ML) compliance practices. As…

Abstract

Purpose

Already suffering reputational damage from the global financial crisis, banks face a further loss of trust due to their poor money laundering (ML) compliance practices. As confidence-driven institutions, the loss of reputation stemming from inadequate compliance with regulations and policies labels banks as facilitators of crime and destroys public trust both in the bank itself, peer banks and the wider banking system. Considering the links between financial stability and adverse publicity about banks, this paper aims to critically examine the implications of ML-specific bank information on financial stability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a content analysis and a theoretical discussion by critically evaluating the role of bank compliance information on stability with references to recent case studies.

Findings

This paper establishes that availability of information regarding a bank involved in or facilitating ML might pose a threat to financial stability if bank counterparties cut their ties with the bank in question and when bank stakeholders show a strong and sudden negative reaction to adverse publicity. Though recent ML scandals have not caused immediate instability, general loss of confidence associated with reputational risk have had a destabilising effect on affected banks’ capital and liquidity.

Originality/value

There has been surprisingly little discussion to date on the impact of publicly available bank information on financial stability and public confidence within the ML compliance framework. This paper approaches the issue of publicly available banking compliance information solely through the prism of public confidence and reputational risk and its impact on macro-stability by examining recent ML scandals.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2005

Paul Flanagan, Robert Johnston and Derek Talbot

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the concept of “confidence”, to assess its relationship with customer contact and to identify the dimensions and triggers of…

3414

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the concept of “confidence”, to assess its relationship with customer contact and to identify the dimensions and triggers of “confidence” in an important organisation with which many people may have only limited contact.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was commissioned by the Northamptonshire Police in the UK and was based on data collected through focus groups held in the area. The groups were split into individuals who had limited contact with the police and individuals who had traumatic dealings with the police (e.g. had been the victim of a serious crime).

Findings

The findings supported earlier research which suggested that there was a fall in confidence after contact with the police. The analysis of the discussions revealed four key dimensions of confidence (i.e. what made people feel confident). Several types of confidence triggers were also identified, over some of which the police have control, pre‐contact, during contact and post‐contact.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on one public sector organisation using a small number of focus group interviews.

Originality/value

Organisations can influence, at least to some extent, consumer confidence before use. The research also questions whether some organisations should assess confidence rather than, or in addition to, satisfaction.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2007

Michael D. Reisig and Kristy Holtfreter

This study seeks to identify personal characteristics that help to explain variation in consumer confidence in legal authorities' ability to effectively deal with fraud…

560

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to identify personal characteristics that help to explain variation in consumer confidence in legal authorities' ability to effectively deal with fraud victimization in the State of Florida.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cross‐sectional survey data from 918 adults who participated in a telephone interview in 2004 and 2005. Univariate statistics are used to describe the distribution of the dependent variable (i.e. consumer confidence in legal authorities). Hypotheses are tested using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques.

Findings

Results show that less than one‐half of respondents (48.2 percent) report that they have either “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of confidence in the ability of legal authorities to respond to consumer fraud victimization. Bivariate correlations show that younger respondents, those with more formal education, recent fraud victims, and individuals inclined to take risks with their financial assets report lower levels of confidence. These findings persist in a multivariate context.

Research limitations/implications

Because these data were collected from survey respondents living in a single state, one should exercise caution when generalizing these findings to other settings.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to target public awareness efforts and educational campaigns to consumer groups with low levels of confidence in legal authorities. Doing so may not only help bolster confidence, but also potentially increase rates of fraud victimization reporting.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on confidence in legal authorities to the previously unexplored crime‐related context of consumer fraud victimization.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2022

Daniel Joseph Finkenstadt and Robert Handfield

This study examines the lack of confidence in the actions of the government and pharmaceutical companies during vaccine deployment. The authors introduce the concept of supply…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the lack of confidence in the actions of the government and pharmaceutical companies during vaccine deployment. The authors introduce the concept of supply chain immunity. The authors test whether the perception of higher vaccine supply chain immunity leads to higher willingness to be vaccinated within the supply chain community.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize factor analysis and item response theory methods to develop a scale for measuring supply chain immunity. The original and psychometrically sound scale is tested via a structural equation model (SEM). Factor analysis and SEM use survey responses from two samples of 125 supply chain executives.

Findings

SEM suggests that supply chain immunity perceptions are a strong predictor of overall supply chain confidence for COVID vaccines. Further, these perceptions, through supply chain confidence, indirectly impact individuals' self-reported willingness to personally accept a vaccine themselves.

Originality/value

This paper presents the concept of supply chain immunity perceptions that have not been used in the medical supply chain literature. This paper presents a first-of-a-kind scale for supply chain immunity perceptions utilizing nascent methods and demonstrates the constructs impact on vaccine program confidence and public willingness to participate.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2021

Taslima Akther and Fengju Xu

This study aims to investigate the factors that enhance the credibility of and confidence in audit value.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors that enhance the credibility of and confidence in audit value.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 254 institutional investors through a questionnaire survey and were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings reveal that the two influential predictors of enhanced credibility and confidence are perceived auditor independence and improved auditor communication. Factors related to auditor–client affiliation, such as restrictions on providing non-audit services, mandatory auditor rotation and the presence of effective audit committees, are identified as creating the perceived independence. Improved auditor communication is linked with improving the audit report and ensuring audit education, thus creating more sophisticated users who better understand the scope and purpose of an audit. Furthermore, independent audit oversight acts as a moderator in the relationship between perceived auditor independence, improved auditor communication and enhanced credibility. Enhanced credibility can lead to greater confidence in audit value.

Originality/value

In the wake of the global financial crisis and loss of confidence in the role of auditors, this study investigates the factors that can enhance the credibility of and confidence in audit value, especially in a non-Anglo-American setting. This study is unique in terms of methodological development, as it uses a higher-order Type II reflective–formative model using PLS-SEM.

Details

Accounting Research Journal, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1030-9616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Mark Hyde and John Dixon

For much of the scholarly literature regarding retirement, private pensions are incapable of engaging the trust of those who depend on them. However, this appraisal is flawed by…

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Abstract

Purpose

For much of the scholarly literature regarding retirement, private pensions are incapable of engaging the trust of those who depend on them. However, this appraisal is flawed by its one‐dimensional emphasis on the importance of social solidarity to trust. The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment of the private sector against a broader range of contingencies that may impact on public confidence in pensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This task is approached by reporting the findings of a cross‐national comparative study of existing mandated private pension provision. The country‐specific arrangements are compared in terms of the programme design requirements of six trust benchmarks.

Findings

A reliance on the private sector is not necessarily incompatible with trust in retirement provision. Its trust‐enhancing potential is exemplified by the design of mandated private pensions in Switzerland and the UK.

Research limitations/implications

Programme design is not the only important influence on public confidence in pensions. Furthermore, the weighting of the benchmarks and their corresponding design features needs further consideration.

Practical implications

The evaluation provides a foundation for cross‐national policy learning and transfer, by highlighting elements of the design of mandated private pensions that are compatible with trust.

Originality/value

Unlike much of the scholarly work in this field, the assessment defines and operationalises trust in terms of a comprehensive range of contingencies that may impact on public confidence in pensions. Building on this foundation, it provides the first cross‐national review of the capacity of private pensions to build and sustain trust.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

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