Resource information
This briefing note examines perspectives
on trust, authority, and responsibility for decision making
in Timor-Leste, using findings from the justice module
included in an extension of the 2007 Timor-Leste Survey of
Living Standards (TLSLS2) and a review of relevant
social-science literature. It is hoped that this report will
be a valuable resource for civil servants, civil society,
and donor agencies working in Timor-Leste. This note
examines relationships among East Timorese, focusing on
trust, views on authority, and decision-making power. It
begins by discussing the relationships between individuals
specifically, trust in one's neighbors and perspectives
on safety. While trust is essentially about these
interpersonal relationships, research has shown that high
levels of trust are associated with improved economic
outcomes and better maintenance of public goods. Thus, trust
within a society is important for a much wider set of
outcomes. In later sections, the authors move to a
discussion of individuals' relationships with
institutions through the lens of community participation and
beliefs about responsibility for dispute resolution.
Throughout, the authors attempt to explain unusual findings
or trends, making reference to relevant social-science
literature. However, the authors also note where satisfying
explanations have not been found, and welcome additional
feedback and discussion on these areas.
