Trust in institutions and the quality of public services

This article investigates the Italian population’s trust in institutions – particularly public administration – and their satisfaction with the quality of public services. The topic is of considerable importance because it is believed that widespread trust, in others and in institutions, is fundamental for the generation of social capital in communities. The study, based mainly on secondary sources, confirms what has been clear for some time, namely the Italian people’s substantial lack of trust in institutions, and shows how this correlates strongly with the quality of public services offered in the country.