Presidential Leadership Qualities and Their Influence on Trust in Government

This study examines the relationship between presidential leadership qualities and trust in government, which is the public’s perception of the government. Previous studies on the relationship between the two have approached the topic from different angles, focusing on aspects such as the role of presidential trust and presidential leadership as determinants of trust in government. However, such studies have failed to clarify the object of trust, whether it be a specific individual or institution, in assessments of government as well as influential variables; empirical studies that explore the relationship between presidential leadership and trust in government are also relatively scarce. We measured presidential leadership qualities using leadership skills and traits based on situational qualities leadership theory. According to the analysis results, presidential leadership qualities such as vision, communication skills, the ability to effectively manage government affairs, and political power are associated with trust in government, whereas the quality of integrity was not statistically significant. Moreover, the results showed that vision was regarded as the most important quality.