Perceptions of Meritocratic Recruitment and Promotion, and Willingness to Pay Taxes

• In Event: Tax Policy and Politics

Abstract

Taxes are critical to building state capacity, promoting growth, and sustaining a welfare state. However, many developing countries struggle to ensure tax compliance and shore up tax revenues. In this paper, we will investigate how citizens’ perceptions of meritocratic recruitment and promotion practices in municipal governments affect their willingness to pay taxes. We hypothesize that non-meritocratic practices signal corruption and inefficiency, eroding public trust in government and reducing tax compliance. To test this, we will use survey, survey experimental, and administrative data across 1,500 households, 150 communities, and 30 municipalities in Guatemala. This study will demonstrate how public management practices can affect public trust and the implications for state capacity.

Author

• Maria Nagawa, Stanford University
  Presenting Author