Little trust in agencies responsible for settling Groningen gas extraction issues
The responsibilities for dealing with the consequences of gas extraction in Groningen are divided among many different institutions. These are interdependent and together, they make up a complex institutional system. Marielle Bovenhoff has conducted a study on the influence of the institutional context on residents’ trust in these institutions and their affiliated professionals. Between the system and the citizens, there appears to be an attitude of distrust, despite the level of interpersonal trust between residents and professionals.
For the study, Bovenhoff interviewed over 60 residents and professionals from different institutions. When viewed as individuals, resident guides and other professionals are seen as well-intentioned, hard-working, and trustworthy people. But as representatives of (large) institutions, their trustworthiness is at stake, as institutional performance persistently falls short. In this context, many professionals indicate that they have insufficient discretionary power.
More so than interpersonal trust, an entirely different form of trust is at stake here: trust in the system itself (‘system trust of confidence’). According to many respondents, trust in the system is low because the interests of the major institutions that have shaped this system are not aligned with those of residents and of the region. Moreover, positions of power and responsibilities within this system lack transparency, both for residents and for professionals.
In addition, the institutional system is perceived to be based on a distrust of citizens in general, resulting in lengthy procedures for accountability, monitoring, and supervision. While this may be understandable for financial and legal reasons, it acts as a barrier to restoring trust in the system, regardless of the level of interpersonal trust between residents and professionals.
Last modified: | 23 January 2023 12.22 p.m. |
More news
-
09 April 2024
Kirsten van den Bosch: 'Connecting students with the work field really is achievable in every programme'
Dr Kirsten van den Bosch en her team won the Best Practice Award 2024 with their initiative to connect students with organizations to solve real problems within Academic Learning Communities.
-
03 April 2024
Research: much stress among Groningers due to gas extraction issues, including among the elderly
The gas extraction issue still has its effect on people in Groningen. Questionnaire research shows that people who had multiple instances of damage to their homes have increasingly poor health. In addition, interviews with elderly people show a...
-
05 March 2024
'Ordinary Joes can also be creative'
Organizational psychologist Eric Rietzschel researches creativity in the workplace. According to him, creativity enables us to move forward, but there is also a downside.