The Impact of Social Values on Attitudes Toward Economic and Tax Policies in an Emerging Country: Vietnam case

This study investigates the influence of social values on public attitudes toward economic and tax policies in Vietnam, an emerging economy undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation. Given the critical role of public trust in policy effectiveness, this research seeks to answer how factors such as distrust, relativism, skepticism, and demographic determinants shape citizens’ acceptance of tax reforms. Utilizing data from the World Values Survey (WVS), the study applies multivariate linear regression and Random Forest techniques to analyze the relationships between social values and policy attitudes. The findings reveal that social security values, perceptions of government performance, and national pride significantly affect public acceptance of policy changes. Specifically, relativism strongly influences tax policy compliance, whereas skepticism plays a decisive role in shaping economic policy attitudes. Furthermore, individuals exhibiting high levels of distrust and defiance toward authority demonstrate greater resistance to reform initiatives. The study underscores the necessity for policymakers to align economic and tax policies with prevailing social values to enhance public trust and compliance. Addressing skepticism through increased transparency, improving government responsiveness, and fostering a sense of social justice can mitigate resistance to reforms. Additionally, cultural and demographic variables, including education level and financial security, further mediate attitudes toward economic and tax policies. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on policy acceptance in developing economies, offering empirical evidence on the interplay between social values and governance. The findings have significant implications for policymakers in Vietnam and other emerging nations seeking to implement sustainable reforms while maintaining public confidence and social cohesion.