The mediating role of perceptions of municipal government performance on the relationship between good governance and citizens' trust in municipal government

Evidence from existing literature shows that good governance practices impact citizens' attitudes and behaviors toward the governing authorities. However, the situation in post-conflict countries like Somalia is largely unexplored and unknown. Therefore, this study examines how good governance elements (public participation, accountability, and transparency) influence citizens' trust in municipal government in Somalia. Furthermore, this study investigates the mediating role of perceptions of municipal government performance on the relationship between good governance elements and trust in municipal governments. Following a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 357 residents of Mogadishu municipality in Somalia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used by applying SmartPLS4 to analyze the data and evaluate the measurement and structural models. The results show that perceived good governance elements (public participation, accountability, and transparency) positively and directly influence citizens' trust in municipal government. Furthermore, perceptions of municipal government performance partially mediate the relationship between good governance elements and citizens' trust in municipal authorities. This study is one of the first to provide empirical evidence of the mediating role of perceptions of municipal government performance on the relationship between good governance elements and citizens' trust in municipal governments.