Rebuilding Trust: The Role of Dispute Resolution Practitioners in Restoring Public Confidence in Government Institutions

Public trust in government institutions is a cornerstone of democratic governance and societal stability. However, recent surveys indicate a troubling trend: trust in government has plummeted. According to the Pew Research Center, as of April 2024, 22% of Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (21%). Last year, 16% said they trusted the government just about always or most of the time, which was among the lowest measures in nearly seven decades of polling.

Equally concerning is the rapidly declining level of mistrust by our young Americans in our government institutions. A national poll released in April 2024 by the Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School indicates that among 18-to-29-year-olds nationwide, trust in the U.S. military and the Supreme Court to do the right thing "all" or "most of the time" has fallen by 10 and nine percentage points, respectively.  The same poll shows trust in the President has declined by 60% since 2015 (it now stands at 20%); trust in Congress is down 34% (now at 12%); and trust in the media is down 18% (now at 10%).  This decline is attributed to various factors, including perceived corruption, ineffective governance, spreading of disinformation and misinformation by the media, and a lack of responsiveness to citizen needs.

In order to understand why there has been such a dramatic decline in the public’s trust in our government institutions, we need to examine some key contributing factors:

1. Scandals and Corruption: Instances of government corruption, misuse of public funds, and scandals involving government officials can significantly undermine public trust. When citizens perceive that government institutions are not acting in the public interest or are engaging in unethical behavior, trust in those institutions can erode.  Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer found that 56% of Americans believe their government is corrupt, highlighting a significant trust deficit.
2. Lack of Transparency: Citizens increasingly feel excluded from the decision-making processes that affect their lives, both on a national and local level.  The absence of clear communication and transparency in government actions fosters skepticism and distrust. Again, this distrust seems to be more prevalent among young adults.  A recent survey by the Institute for Citizens and Scholars indicated that 52% of 18–24-year-olds that they surveyed have no or little trust in government institutions.
3. Partisan Politics: Increased polarization and political partisanship can contribute to a lack of trust in government institutions. When citizens perceive that decisions are driven by political motives rather than the public good, trust in the government can diminish.
4. Media and Information Bias: Misinformation, sensationalism, and bias in media coverage can shape public perceptions of government institutions and influence trust levels. When media outlets are seen as untrustworthy or partisan, it can contribute to skepticism about the government. As it relates to social media, a 2023 Pew Research Center survey indicates that half of all U.S. adults say they sometimes get their news there.  While they name “convenience,” “speed,” and the “element of social interaction” as what they like about accessing their news on social media, many also express concerns about news there being “inaccurate, low quality and politically biased.”
5. Failure to Address Public Concerns: When government institutions fail to address pressing issues or respond adequately to citizen needs and concerns, trust in those institutions can falter. Perceptions of incompetence or neglect can undermine faith in the government's ability to serve the public effectively.
6. Economic Inequality: Disparities in wealth and income can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and alienation among certain population segments. When citizens believe that government institutions primarily serve the interests of the wealthy or powerful, trust in those institutions may decline.

As public trust declines, the effectiveness of government institutions is compromised, leading to disengagement and disillusionment among the populace. Dispute resolution practitioners, with our expertise in mediation, facilitation, and conflict management, are uniquely positioned to help restore this trust.  We, as dispute resolution practitioners, can play a crucial role in helping citizens rebuild trust in government institutions by facilitating communication, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration. Here are some ways we can achieve this:

Facilitating Open Dialogue: By organizing and moderating public forums, town hall meetings, and online discussions, dispute resolution professionals can create spaces for open and deliberative dialogue between citizens and government representatives. These platforms allow for transparent communication, where concerns can be addressed directly, and accurate information can be disseminated.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Dispute resolution practitioners can mediate conflicts between citizens and government institutions, helping to resolve disputes fairly and impartially. By providing a neutral space for dialogue and negotiation, we can help to clarify misunderstandings and ensure that each party feels heard and understood. We can model critical conflict resolution skills such as active listening, reframing, and collaborative problem-solving while demonstrating patience and empathy.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Dispute resolution professionals can work with government institutions to develop mechanisms that enhance transparency and accountability. This might include advising on the design and implementation of feedback systems where citizens can report issues and receive timely responses, demonstrating that their concerns are taken seriously.  We can also assist government officials in gathering public input on how government institutions can better serve their constituents.  These efforts can help foster positive relationships between citizens and government institutions, ultimately strengthening democratic governance and the public’s faith that governmental actions are aligned with their interests.

Promoting Media Literacy: Educating the public about media literacy is essential in combating misinformation. Dispute resolution professionals can collaborate with educational institutions and community organizations to provide workshops and resources that help citizens critically evaluate information sources and recognize misinformation.

Building Collaborative Relationships: By fostering partnerships between government institutions, community leaders, and social media platforms, dispute resolution professionals can help develop strategies to identify and counter misinformation. These collaborations can lead to the creation of fact-checking initiatives and the promotion of verified information.

Training and Education: Dispute resolution practitioners can offer training and education programs to citizens and government officials on effective communication/dialogue, process facilitation, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills. By empowering both parties with the tools to resolve disputes constructively, practitioners can contribute to rebuilding trust in government institutions.

The decline in public trust in government institutions poses a significant challenge to democratic governance. However, dispute resolution practitioners have the potential to play a transformative role in restoring this trust. By enhancing communication, mediating disputes, implementing feedback mechanisms, promoting collaboration, and training officials, these practitioners can help create a more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance environment. As trust is rebuilt, government institutions can function more effectively, leading to improved societal outcomes and a stronger democracy.