Government response and compliance behaviours: evidence from COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe in 2020 and early 2021, Vietnam made some achievements in containing this virus. This study aims to focus on how government response could influence public compliance in Vietnam in 2020 (the first pandemic year). Design/methodology/approach The authors used data gathered from individuals residing in Vietnam during the COVID-19 social distancing in April 2020. An online survey was used to collect the data. To conduct the empirical analysis, we used a structural equation model (SEM). The data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 24. Findings Government response was positively associated with public compliance through the mediating roles of trust in government and support for government. Practical implications This research provides implications for crisis management in developing countries during a public health crisis, especially when or where vaccines are unavailable. Originality/value This research is among the first attempts that examine how government response enhances citizen compliance directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of citizen trust in government and citizen support for government.