2024 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 9-28
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated an examination of the interplay between government policies and initiatives, public perceptions, and social capital in Beppu City. Using a mixed-methods approach, encompassing a systematic literature review and a comprehensive analysis of survey data, this study investigated the relationships among these variables in Beppu City. Data from 223 participants were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique implemented in SmartPLS. Findings reveal significant correlations between government policies, social capital, and public perception, highlighting the importance of proactive policy design and community engagement. The study proposes a Social-Ecological Model for Pandemic Management (SEMPM), illustrating how government policies shape public perception and social capital, which in turn influence the effectiveness of pandemic response initiatives. The SEMPM provides a roadmap for future crisis management, emphasizing adaptive strategies, effective communication, and cross-sector collaboration to build resilience and enhance community response to crises.
