How Does Government Intervention Affect Community Residents’ Satisfaction with Public Services—Evidence from CSS (2021) in China

Abstract

The traditional model of community public service in China is experiencing a nuanced transformation, which has been spurred by increased government involvement and the growing openness of communities in the realm of public governance. Recent scholarly inquiries have revealed a strong association between the level of government intervention and the satisfaction of residents with public services. This means that communities with higher levels of government intervention typically enjoy more comprehensive public facilities and services, thereby increasing residents’ satisfaction with community public services. This article analyzes 2021 social security system data and finds that government intervention often has a beneficial impact on improving residents’ satisfaction with public services, although it may also have negative effects in certain specific areas. In addition, the impact of government participation and community openness on residents’ satisfaction is moderated by various factors such as residents’ own economic statuses and education levels. To achieve this goal, government officials and community leaders should focus on improving the nature and degree of government intervention and community openness in order to more fully meet the needs of residents and increase their satisfaction.

1. Introduction

Community residents’ satisfaction is a crucial metric for assessing the efficacy of community management and the quality of public services [1], which also indicates the complex relationship between government behavior and residents’ daily lives. Paying attention to the satisfaction of community residents with public services can help to identify environmental conditions, infrastructure, and safety issues in a timely manner. This not only improves community management and service levels but also deepens government’s understanding of residents’ preferences and desires, thereby more effectively allocating community resources. In the process of rapid urbanization, the current community autonomy capacity is striving to keep up with the growing demand of residents for public services [2]. For example, the “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Urban and Rural Community Service System” advocates putting the people at the center and continuously meeting their expectations for a high standard of living. It emphasizes the need to prioritize promoting community employment, elderly care, and childcare services and adopt problem-solving methods to address the shortcomings faced by vulnerable groups in healthcare and social security. The government plays multiple roles as a provider, planner, coordinator, and supervisor in promoting the construction of community public service systems based on actual situations and policy requirements. In recent years, the Chinese government has actively conducted satisfaction surveys on community governance and established mechanisms such as the National Survey on Satisfaction with Urban and Rural Community Governance. However, there are still problems with the provision and consumption of community public services, such as low service quality, insufficient safety guarantees, and serious environmental pollution. The study shows that user satisfaction can be increased by building links between user needs and building performance attributes (BPAs), by enhancing efficiency and accountability for facility management, and by implementing effective intervention strategies. This user-centered approach provides an effective perspective for improving the quality of public services [3].

Resident satisfaction includes aspects such as public facilities, the green environment, transportation, safety, neighborhood, education and health, and supporting services. It is usually measured through dimensions such as service quality, accessibility, fairness, influence, resident participation, and service transparency [4]. The government’s intervention methods include “formulating public policies, providing public services, supervising resource allocation, ensuring social welfare and safety, balancing economic growth and environmental protection”, and evaluation dimensions include “policy effectiveness, residents’ satisfaction with public services, resource utilization efficiency, and the social impact of public services”. At present, academic research on the impact of government intervention on community residents’ satisfaction with public services has provided some unique insights, highlighting the importance of government transparency and effective communication in improving residents’ satisfaction, as transparent government actions enhance public understanding of the service provision process, thereby promoting trust and satisfaction [5]. In addition, many studies have utilized econometric techniques and extensive databases, which not only improve the accuracy of research but also enable scholars to analyze the subtle differences in various government policies and their impacts on different communities. The novelty of these studies often lies in their integration of multiple research methods and data sources, including field investigations, historical data analysis, and experimental design. Although previous studies have used survey methods, social statistics, in-depth interviews, case studies, and other methods to examine relevant topics and provide valuable insights, research on how government intervention affects community residents’ satisfaction with public services and how to improve community residents’ satisfaction with public services still needs to be strengthened in terms of methods, data, and accuracy in order to better enhance the efficiency of government public services.

On this basis, this study poses the following research questions: (1) How can we effectively measure community residents’ satisfaction with public services? (2) What are the criteria for assessing the extent of government intervention? (3) How do government interventions affect community residents’ satisfaction with public services? (4) How can government interventions and resident satisfaction with public services be improved?

2. Literature Review

2.1. Correlation between Government Intervention and Satisfaction with Public Services

It has been shown that in different service areas such as healthcare, employment, social security, and public safety, government policies, resource allocation, and management styles directly affect citizens’ satisfaction and trust. Research utilizing data from Wave 5 of the World Values Survey indicates that well-administered state interventions aimed at protecting against modern market risks enhance life satisfaction significantly. This highlights the critical role of policy orientation and administrative quality in shaping subjective well-being [6].

In healthcare, focused government attention and prudent resource allocation are fundamental to an effective response to public health crises [7]. The government’s active attitude towards social responsibility and targeted interventions have a significant positive impact on residents’ satisfaction with public services, as illustrated by the development of scalable education programs for community health workers (CHWs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The program aims to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge on key health issues including HIV/AIDS, TB, and women’s health through a short, tailored training course. Furthermore, residents’ trust in healthcare professionals also helps to improve citizens’ satisfaction with public healthcare services. This perspective underscores the complex interplay between formal health service delivery and informal practices, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to enhance public service satisfaction [8]. Community perceptions of preventive health measures illustrate how public opinion influences government decision-making for systemic change and reveal the complex relationship between policy implementation and public acceptance [9]. Studies of intermittent physical activity interventions in communities have emphasized the important role of such policies in improving public health and increasing satisfaction [10]. In addressing the challenges of an aging population, governments have focused on strategic resource allocation and used innovative models that not only improve resident satisfaction but also promote equity and sustainability in the community [11]. Together, these findings point to strategic government intervention as a key factor in increasing satisfaction with public services. In addition, individual differences such as occupational status and urban–rural differences significantly influence citizen satisfaction with healthcare services, and these studies further support the need for targeted healthcare policies that prioritize individual and contextual factors to improve service satisfaction [12].

Government intervention has played an important role in shaping urban renewal, especially in market-oriented cities such as Shenzhen, China, where strategic government action has significantly improved urban development outcomes. The role of the government has moved beyond facilitating the modernization of the city’s infrastructure; it has also promoted a range of innovations and reforms in the economic, social and cultural spheres that have been key to Shenzhen’s rapid development into a cosmopolitan city. In addition, research on the quality of development in China’s major urban areas, especially urban agglomerations, has emphasized the important role of government involvement in improving the quality of urban development and resident satisfaction. By improving urban planning and management, strengthening public facilities, and improving the efficiency of municipal services, the government has effectively improved the quality of life and life satisfaction of urban residents. This participation has led to the greater involvement of residents in community governance, enabling them to directly provide input and suggestions to improve their living conditions. This type of government–resident partnership not only increases satisfaction with community environmental services but also enhances community cohesion and social stability. Overall, these government interventions have yielded considerable dividends in terms of promoting urban development and enhancing public services [13].

In the area of public employment services, the government has increased the resilience of the economy, created more jobs, and effectively improved the flexibility and efficiency of the labor market by investing in infrastructure, providing tax incentives, and establishing vocational training programs. However, policies that are not thoughtfully designed or implemented can lead to inflexibility in the labor market and exacerbate the fiscal burden on the state. The case of Israel exemplifies the intricate relationship between central government intervention in local democracy and the principle of democratic representation. The study emphasizes that policy interventions must be carefully calibrated to ensure consistency with economic goals and broad public support and satisfaction. Achieving this balance is critical to maintaining long-term policy effectiveness and public confidence [14]. Currently, while employment training services are well regarded, unemployed people are significantly less satisfied with these services. This discrepancy indicates a gap between service design and actual user needs, as well as potential problems in efficiency and adaptability in service delivery. Therefore, it is important for the government to conduct in-depth research on the specific needs and feedback of the unemployed population and improve training programs so that they are not only technologically advanced but also truly meet the needs of the labor market and enhance the employability of participants. Focusing on these nuances and a commitment to respond to feedback is essential in improving satisfaction with and the impact of public employment services. In addition to the areas mentioned above, judicious government interventions in the areas of social protection, access to information, agricultural development, and gender equality are essential for maintaining public order and enhancing transparency in governance.

In terms of social security, the adverse impact of criminals on residents’ life satisfaction requires the government to implement more decisive and effective measures to maintain public order and provide public services. Measures such as increased police presence and enhanced community policing can deter crime and promote social stability, but over-intervention or inappropriate law enforcement may infringe on civil liberties, trigger social discontent, and erode trust in government. One study showed that citizen satisfaction was closely associated with service design. The study identified three key aspects of service design, core services, ancillary services, and support services, and specific features of each service, such as accuracy, privacy protection, and personalization, together affecting the perceived quality of service and citizen satisfaction. This emphasizes that both physical security and information security, meticulous and thoughtful service design, and moderate security interventions are key to improving citizen satisfaction and trust.

Information services are critical to improving the quality of life and well-being of citizens, and governmental disclosure of environmental information enables citizens to better understand their living conditions, which in turn positively affects their quality of life and well-being. The disclosure of government data has significantly increased institutional trust. This trust has been significantly enhanced in those who are highly educated, under 65 years old, and daily internet users [15]. Access to information about public services facilitates more effective participation in public affairs and decision-making and increases the transparency of government actions and public acceptance of policies. However, the disclosure of information must be carefully managed to prevent inappropriate disclosure of sensitive data or avoid complicating the decision-making process. Striking a balance between the public’s right to know and the protection of privacy is key to ensuring that the disclosure of information meets the public’s needs without jeopardizing personal and national security. In formulating policies to maintain this balance, it is important for the government to refine the scope and depth of information disclosure so as to effectively improve public services and public trust in the government. This integrated approach is not only conducive to the promotion of social security and information transparency but also to the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and the maintenance of general social stability.

In India, a survey conducted in two rural areas of Uttar Pradesh revealed public dissatisfaction with the government over the supply of basic energy services, particularly electricity and clean cooking fuels. The study found that those who expect the government to intervene were less satisfied with current energy policies and that this dissatisfaction affected how much they considered political candidates’ energy policies in the election. This highlights the key role of government policy in shaping public satisfaction and the practical improvement of services [16]. Similarly, in other areas, precise government policies and resource allocation not only promote the sustainable development of the industry but also increase the productivity of the people. For example, the VicHealth Local Government Partnership in Victoria promotes collaboration between local government and communities through a systems thinking approach, effectively driving improvements in health and well-being, demonstrating the effects of local interventions. These examples all highlight the active role that the government should play in supporting basic services and improving public satisfaction [17].

In the area of mental health services, initiatives such as suicide prevention in Japan emphasize the critical role of government in addressing mental health emergencies [18]. Meanwhile, community business programs in South Korea provide examples of how strategic socio-economic interventions can contribute to the economic and social well-being of a community, albeit with some limitations [19]. In terms of gender equality, government-funded community interventions have achieved concrete results in narrowing gender gaps and eliminating discriminatory biases, reflecting government’s active role in promoting gender equality in basic community services [20]. These interventions demonstrate government’s commitment to addressing the specific needs of the population, improving the efficiency of services and performance standards, and marking a transition to a service-oriented governance model.

In addition to the direct effect of the independent variable of government intervention on resident satisfaction, the endowment characteristics of residents, such as the type of community in which they live, their economic status, and their level of education, also have a significant effect on the evaluation of resident satisfaction [21]. In this context, a new study on local governments in Ethiopia delves into the subtle impact of governance practices on public trust. Studies have shown that residents’ personal traits, such as their educational level and socio-economic status, have a significant impact on assessing satisfaction with government policies [22]. Specifically, within the social security system, factors such as an individual’s economic status, education, trust, and social participation have a profound effect on resident satisfaction. In order to adapt to these different needs and contexts, governments must adjust their social security policies and adopt individualized and differentiated strategies. In particular, in addressing the challenge of diversifying the household registration system, the government must proactively address differences in the distribution of public services due to differences in household registration, and these measures include strengthening the inter-regional coordination and harmonization of services to mitigate the satisfaction gap due to differences in household registration. In addition, striking the right balance between generous social benefits and work incentives is essential to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of social security systems.

Finally, when analyzing the correlation between government interventions and public service satisfaction, it is important to identify the methods used to measure community residents’ satisfaction with public services. Existing studies in the academic community have used innovative methods to measure the satisfaction of community residents, involving different contexts. Some studies have used official annual data to analyze the impact of financial performance on residents’ satisfaction. The results showed a significant negative correlation, especially in financial surplus rural parliaments, indicating that the impact of financial health on satisfaction varies from region to region, while finding that maintaining a balance near zero had no significant impact [23]. One study evaluated public satisfaction following the failure of government information disclosure after the typhoon disaster in China and applied the structural equation model (SEM). The study identified justice dimensions such as outcome justice, procedural justice, interactive justice, and information justice as key factors affecting public trust and loyalty [24]. Some scholars have used quantitative methods to distribute questionnaires to customers and service providers to determine the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction [25]. Some scholars have developed a comprehensive evaluation framework that integrates multidimensional urban development indicators to provide data support and an empirical evidence base for strategies to improve resident satisfaction [26]. There are also studies that take Beijing residents’ satisfaction with government environmental protection measures as an example and clearly illustrate the specific changes in satisfaction with different types of environmental programs through a combination of questionnaires and social media big data.

The use of these methods not only reveals differences in residents’ satisfaction with public services in different communities but also emphasizes how these differences can be understood through detailed data analysis.

2.2. Evaluation of Existing Research

Existing research has consistently recognized the positive impact of government interventions on community residents’ satisfaction with public services, emphasizing that service quality is a key determinant that directly affects satisfaction. The critical role of government in the provision and management of public services has become a basic consensus. Nevertheless, there are still some gaps in the current research that need to be addressed. First, it is crucial to consider the different needs of different communities. Existing research has tended to focus on the broad concept of the larger community without delving into the nuanced needs of different community subgroups, such as the contrast between urban and rural communities. Second, existing studies have focused mainly on short-term impacts and neglected to assess the lasting impacts of government involvement over a longer period of time. In addition, the complex interplay of multiple factors has not been thoroughly examined, and there is little literature that examines in depth how factors such as household size and the degree of urbanization of a community combine to influence the effectiveness of government interventions and the satisfaction of residents. Thus, a comprehensive grasp of the relationship between government interventions and satisfaction with public services requires a longitudinal approach that incorporates the needs of marginalized groups and investigates the intricate interplay between various factors. Such a study would enhance our understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the relationship and inform more effective and targeted policy interventions. (See

Table 1. A summary of empirical studies in the area of government involvement and residents’ satisfaction with public services.

Project Type	Compile and Summarize
Employment support services	Research objective	1. Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of services 2. Research on effects on specific populations 3. Seeking ways to upgrade the service operation mechanism
	Research hypothesis	1. The service significantly improves the employment opportunities of individuals. 2. There are significant differences in the impact of the service on individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. 3. The service has a positive impact on the quality and continuity of individual employment.
	Key theoretical results	1. Improving the public employment service system 2. Broadening employment channels and innovating employment modes 3. Optimizing the employment service process 4. Establishing a “people-oriented” concept 5. Strengthening the performance appraisal of public institutions
	Bibliography	[27,28,29]
Medical and health services	Research objective	1. Evaluate the effectiveness of services in terms of accessibility, quality, etc. 2. Assess differences in satisfaction across different types of groups 3. Focus on long-term effects and sustainability of policies
	Research hypothesis	1. The service has improved the overall satisfaction of the population with health services 2. Specific vulnerable groups benefit more from government policies 3. Long-term policies can improve the quality of life and health of the population
	Key theoretical results	1. Community type and government efficiency are key influences on residents’ satisfaction with public health services 2. Transformation of China’s public health policy from “welfare-oriented” to “market-oriented” 3. To enhance satisfaction, it is necessary to increase medical expenditures, optimize resource allocation, and improve service levels
	Bibliography	[30,31,32,33,34]
Social security services	Research objective	1. Assessing the effectiveness of policing services 2. Exploring equity in policing services 3. Examining pathways for improving policing services
	Research hypothesis	1. Assuming that the service significantly increases residents’ satisfaction with public services 2. It is hypothesized that there is a significant difference in the level of satisfaction with government policing services among residents from different socio-economic backgrounds 3. Assuming that a long-term and consistent social security policy will be more effective in increasing the level of satisfaction of the population
	Key theoretical results	1. Optimization of social security services as a means of strengthening law enforcement and order maintenance 2. The expansion of policing functions and the integration of political functions have strengthened the unity of social security and political stability 3. Residents’ satisfaction with law and order increases with government governance capacity 4. Effective government intervention in the area of policing has a positive effect on increasing the satisfaction of the population
	Bibliography	[35,36]
Social security services	Research objective	1. Examining how the quality and equity of services affects residents’ satisfaction and quality of life 2. Exploring the impact of individual endowments on social security satisfaction 3. Explore paths for service improvement and enhancement
	Research hypothesis	1. Social factors have a significant positive effect on social security satisfaction 2. Improvement of the rural social security system has significantly increased the satisfaction of rural residents 3. Social security satisfaction of the insured population is positively influenced by social and cultural capital
	Key theoretical results	1. Social security satisfaction has an inverted “U”-shaped relationship with economic income 2. Improvement of rural social security helps to reduce the difference in satisfaction between urban and rural areas 3. Social capital intervention has a significant positive effect on increasing the satisfaction of the insured population
	Bibliography	[37,38,39]
Information disclosure service	Research objective	1. To explore the role of information disclosure in enhancing government transparency and residents’ trust 2. Analyze the differences in residents’ satisfaction with government information disclosure in different socio-economic contexts. 3. Exploring the evaluation factors of the degree of openness of government information 4. Explore ways to improve the information disclosure mechanism
	Research hypothesis	1. Increased information disclosure has a positive effect on satisfaction 2. E-government openness can effectively improve service quality and citizen satisfaction 3. Information disclosure indirectly improves service satisfaction by enhancing residents’ trust
	Key theoretical results	1. Service quality includes multiple dimensions such as reliability, responsiveness, security, etc. 2. Effective information disclosure reduces misunderstanding and skepticism and enhances government legitimacy 3. Openness of information increases the quality and efficiency of policy implementation by enhancing the visibility of government operations
	Bibliography	[40,41]

Source: Self-made by the author.

).

3. Research Design

3.1. Data Sources

3.1.1. Basic Information

The data for this study come from the major project “2021 Comprehensive Survey of China’s Social Conditions (shortened to CSS 2021)” organized by the Institute of Sociology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences(See Appendix A), which aims to collect data on labor and employment, family and social life, social attitudes, and other aspects of society through long-term longitudinal surveys to provide informative and scientific basic information for social science research and government decision-making in China’s transition period. The survey was conducted by the Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the project leader was Li Peilin. We thank the above organizations and their personnel for their data assistance, and the content of this paper is the sole responsibility of the authors.

The data set used for this study consists of individual responses from 10,136 residents, which were obtained through rigorous scientific sampling to ensure a representative sample of the Chinese population. Various data processing methods were used to improve the reliability and validity of the results, including the exclusion of missing values, outliers, and responses with the “can’t talk (−1)” option, resulting in 8345 questionnaires for analysis.

The questionnaires selected for this study were taken from CSS 2021 and included “Do you think the government is doing a good job of providing healthcare services?” and “Do you think the government is doing a good job of combating crime and maintaining social security?”, among others. Each of these questions was rated on a five-point scale: “very poor (1)”, “not good (2)”, “fairly good (3)”, “very good (4)”, and “cannot say (−1)”(See Appendix A).

To ensure the accuracy of the findings, data processing involved deleting responses with missing values and the ‘cannot say (−1)’ option. The remaining responses were categorized into four groups: “very poor (1)”, “not good (2)”, “fairly good (3)”, and “very good (4)”. For analysis purposes, these categories were converted to an average index on a scale of 0 to 10. The meticulous collection and processing of these data ensured that this study had a scientifically reliable and comprehensive information base that facilitated the rigorous examination of the relationship between government intervention and community residents’ satisfaction with public services. (See

Table 2. Regional distribution of the population survey sample.

Code	Province	Sample Size	Percentage (%)	Code	Province	Sample Size	Percentage (%)
11	Beijing	105	1.3	41	Henan	639	7.7
12	Tianjin	106	1.3	42	Hubei	339	4.1
13	Hebei	484	5.8	43	Hunan	354	4.2
14	Shanxi	228	2.7	44	Guangdong	677	8.1
15	Inner Mongolia	187	2.2	45	Guangxi	298	3.6
21	Liaoning	289	3.5	46	Hainan	66	0.8
22	Jilin	165	2.0	50	Chongqing	186	2.2
23	Heilongjiang	203	2.4	51	Sichuan	564	6.8
31	Shanghai	131	1.6	52	Guizhou	256	3.1
32	Jiangsu	357	4.3	53	Yunnan	245	2.9
33	Zhejiang	345	4.1	54	Xizang	66	0.8
34	Anhui	414	5.0	61	Shaanxi	233	2.8
35	Fujian	262	3.1	62	Gansu	158	1.9
36	Jiangxi	220	2.6	63	Qinghai	61	0.7
37	Shandong	650	7.8	64	Ningxia	57	0.7

Source: Self-made by the author.

).

3.1.2. Respondents’ Personal Endowment Characteristics

In terms of the urbanization level of the communities surveyed, over half of the respondents (54.8%) resided in rural areas. The sample included a smaller proportion of individuals from urban transformation communities (4.8%), old urban areas (8.6%), and ordinary commercial housing communities (26.3%). This distribution indicates that the survey captured a diverse range of stages in urbanization and living environments.

Regarding political affiliation, the vast majority of respondents (80.1%) identified as being unaffiliated with any political party, which may reflect the relative scarcity of party members and members of democratic parties within the general population. The total number of respondents affiliated with democratic parties was 11.3%. Additionally, members of the Communist Youth League of China (Komsomol) accounted for 8.7% of the sample.

As for religious beliefs, the majority of respondents (86.6%) reported having no religious beliefs, while a minority (13.4%) adhered to a religion. This proportion sheds light on the religious distribution among the surveyed groups and may also be indicative of regional cultural and social structures.

The employment status data reveal that nearly half of the respondents (45.7%) were either unemployed or students. Those who were employed but not currently at work constituted 5.9% of the sample, while individuals with stable employment accounted for 48.4%. This suggests a relatively balanced distribution of employment statuses within the survey population.

In terms of family size, the majority of respondents (73.8%) came from small families, typically consisting of 1 to 5 members. The proportion of families with 6 to 10 members was 24.7%, while the percentage of families with 11 or more members was significantly lower. Specifically, only 1.38% of families had 11 to 15 members, and the incidence of larger families (16 members and above) was very low, aligning with the general trend of small family sizes in Chinese society. (See

Table 3. The characteristics of respondents’ personal endowments.

Index	Options	Sample Size (Number of Persons)	Proportion (%)
Level of community urbanization	Countryside	4574	54.8
	Urban communities newly transformed from rural communities	403	4.8
	Unimproved old urban areas (neighborhoods)	717	8.6
	Single or mixed unit communities	223	2.7
	Secure Housing Community	162	1.9
	General commercial housing neighborhoods	2197	26.3
	Villa area or high-class residential area	69	0.8
Level of political affiliation	The masses	6682	80.1
	Communist Youth League member	723	8.7
	Member of CPC, Democratic Party	940	11.3
Religious affiliation	Religiously affiliated	1122	13.4
	Non-religious	7223	86.6
Level of work employment	Unemployed, school students	3816	45.7
	Employed, but currently on vacation, studying, or temporarily out of work	494	5.9
	Working	4035	48.4
Household size	1–5 persons	6159	73.8
	6–10 persons	2058	24.7
	11–15 persons	115	1.38
	16–20 persons	13	0.16
	21–25 persons	1	0.012

Source: Self-made by the author.

).

3.2. Selection of Variables and Formulation of Hypotheses

3.2.1. Variable Selection

In CSS2021, respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with public services, as reflected by the following questions: “How well do you think the government is doing in providing health care services?”; “How well do you think the government is doing in providing social security to the public?”; “How well do you think the government is doing in fighting crime and maintaining public order?”; “How do you think the government is doing in expanding employment and job opportunities?”; “How do you think the government has done in terms of disclosing information and improving the transparency of government work?” These five questions were used as independent variables representing government interventions, with the inclusion of residents’ individual endowment factors to control for the effect of individual differences on satisfaction ratings. The specific details and definitions of each variable are shown in

Table 4. Description of variables and descriptive statistics.

Variable	Name	Variable Declaration	Max.	Min.	Mean	Std.
Dependent variable	Residents’ satisfaction	What is your overall assessment of public services now? Very bad = 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; Very good = 10	10	1	7.91	1.613
Control Variable (Residents’ endowment)	Level of community urbanization	What type of neighborhood do you live in? Rural = 1; Urban community newly transformed from a rural community = 2; Unimproved old urban area = 3; Single- or mixed-unit community = 4; Sheltered housing community = 5; Ordinary commercial housing estate = 6; Villa or high-class residential area = 7 (numbers from smallest to largest, according to the level of urbanization, from lowest to highest)	7	1	2.74	2.187
	Household size	Number of persons in household (persons)	25	1	4.55	2.060
	Level of political affiliation	What is your political affiliation? Masses = 1; Komsomol members = 2; CCP members and democrats = 3 (numbers from smallest to largest, according to the level of political affiliation from lowest to highest)	3	1	1.31	0.663
	Religious affiliation	Do you have a religious affiliation? Religious = 1; No religion = 2	2	1	1.87	0.341
	Level of work employment	What is your current job status? Not working, current student = 1; Working, but currently on vacation, studying, or temporarily out of work, suspended from work = 2; Working = 3 (numbers from smallest to largest, lowest to highest according to work employment)	3	1	2.03	0.970
Independent variable (Government intervention)	Level of health care	What is the level of local government provision of health services? Very bad = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Very good = 10	10	1	7.21	1.901
	Level of social security	What is the level of social security services provided by the local government? Very bad = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Very good = 10	10	1	7.10	1.937
	Level of social security	What is the status of the local government’s fight against crime and the maintenance of public order? Very bad = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Very good = 10	10	1	7.74	1.840
	Expanding employment levels	What are the local government initiatives to expand employment and increase job opportunities? Very bad = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Very good = 10	10	1	6.85	2.174
	Level of information disclosure	What is the level of local government information disclosure and transparency of work? Very bad = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Very good = 10	10	1	6.98	2.224

Source: Self-made by the author.

.

Firstly, the provision of medical services is an important function of government, and the support of the central government is crucial to promote the reform of medical public services, necessitating a stance that promotes the modernization of the national health governance system and capacity. This involves improving the collaborative health governance system led by government [33].

Secondly, governments at all levels are pivotal in the establishment of the social security system. The promotion of the construction and support of the social security system is an integral part of government’s governance framework [38]. In the realm of social security, government also plays a vital role in maintaining social stability and security, with combating illegal and criminal activities being a fundamental responsibility. The integration of social security and political stability as a strategic preference in national top-level design has become a cornerstone of China’s current social security stability [36].

Additionally, preserving employment and stabilizing livelihoods is a key government function. The generosity of unemployment benefits and the rigor of employment protection legislation have significant positive effects on life satisfaction [28]. Government’s role in the socialization of labor reproduction is significant for advancing high-quality development and promoting the modernization of the national governance system and capacity. The quality of public employment services serves as a benchmark for assessing government’s management capabilities [29].

Finally, research suggests that concealing the demand for public services, information asymmetry, excessive government intervention, and high administrative costs can significantly impact the efficiency of public services and associated satisfaction. Three impartial procedural features (i.e., transparency, information accuracy, and voice) can improve the procedural impartiality of government services and thus increase user satisfaction [39].

The aforementioned study underscores the fact that the variables selected for this paper are directly linked to the actual performance of government policies and services. They offer a comprehensive reflection of the quality and effectiveness of government interventions from various perspectives, and the selection of these variables is supported by the existing literature.

3.2.2. Proposition of the Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the quality, modality, and scope of government intervention on residents’ satisfaction in key public service domains, such as healthcare, social security, public safety, employment opportunities, and information accessibility. Recognizing the intricacy of government policy and service interventions and their direct bearing on the quality of life of community members, this paper posited the following research hypotheses, which are well grounded in the pertinent literature:

H1: 

An elevated standard of healthcare services leads to increased population satisfaction.

H2: 

Enhanced social security levels result in greater resident satisfaction with public services.

H3: 

Effective social security measures positively correlate with population satisfaction.

H4: 

Government-induced job reductions lead to a decrease in community resident satisfaction.

H5: 

Insufficient transparency and limited information disclosure negatively impact residents’ satisfaction with public services.

These hypotheses are grounded in a thorough analysis of service quality theory, social support theory, the public safety literature, economic effects research, and government transparency studies. The body of literature supports the notion that the adequacy, balance, convenience, and inclusiveness of public service resources at the governmental level are positively associated with public service satisfaction [42].

Each hypothesis has been substantiated within the academic sphere. Hypothesis 1 aligns with service quality theory, indicating that the efficiency of government operations and the competence of government personnel are the primary drivers of resident satisfaction with public healthcare services. However, compared with private hospitals, patients’ access and expected health service quality in public hospitals are significantly lower than those in private hospitals. This shows that the management mechanism of government public medical services still has considerable room for improvement [34]. High-quality medical services are posited to directly elevate residents’ health satisfaction, thereby enhancing their overall satisfaction with government services.

Hypothesis 2 is corroborated by Yao et al., who argue that government’s involvement in constructing the social security system and other social factors, whether viewed through a capital lens or an expectations framework, contributes to improving residents’ satisfaction with public services [43]. This aligns with social support theory, which posits that a robust social security system can effectively alleviate social pressures, thereby enhancing residents’ assessment of government services.

Hypothesis 3 is based on the understanding that security is a fundamental need in residents’ daily lives. Effective public security measures are believed to bolster residents’ trust and satisfaction, with the government’s governance capacity being a critical determinant. The more satisfied the public is with the government’s governance capacity, the higher their satisfaction with the security situation [44].

Hypothesis 4 posits that employment opportunities are a key indicator of government performance. A decline in employment prospects is expected to lead to a negative evaluation of government services. The satisfaction of the demand side of public employment services, which includes job seekers and employers, is considered a vital metric for gauging the quality of government employment services.

Lastly, Hypothesis 5 is informed by the recognition that information transparency is a core element of modern governance. Research has shown that enhancing transparency can strengthen government accountability and public satisfaction, with a particular emphasis on the significance of government data openness in fostering residents’ satisfaction with public services [41].

In addition, considering that residents’ satisfaction with public services is also affected by personal endowments such as the level of urbanization of the community, the number of family members, political orientation, religious beliefs, employment status, etc., this study incorporated these personal factors into the theoretical model as control variables in order to accurately analyze the research hypotheses. This approach helped us to assess the effects of government interventions more accurately and provides empirical recommendations for policymakers.

3.3. Model Setting and Diagnostic Methods

3.3.1. Model Setting

In the present study, the ordinal logistic regression model is employed to analyze residents’ satisfaction levels, which are characterized by an ordinal scale from “very poor” to “very good”. This approach is suitable due to the inherent ordinal nature of the satisfaction data, which have a distinct sequence but lack equal intervals between categories. The ordinal logistic regression model is capable of not only estimating the probability that an individual’s satisfaction falls within each ordinal category but also quantifying the impacts of various independent variables on satisfaction changes through the model’s intercept and slope parameters.

Moreover, drawing from service quality theory, it is hypothesized that residents’ satisfaction will be directly influenced by the quality of the services provided. High-quality healthcare, effective social security, satisfactory public safety, ample employment opportunities, and transparent government information are all identified as critical factors shaping residents’ satisfaction. By employing the ordered logistic regression model, we can delve into the specific ways in which these factors influence residents’ overall satisfaction with government and public services.

Lastly, by incorporating personal endowment characteristics such as the level of urbanization, family size, and political inclination as control variables in the model, we can more precisely assess how these background factors adjust or influence satisfaction with public services. This ensures that the research results are not only comprehensive but also scientifically robust. Through this methodological approach, the study not only offers a detailed analysis of the effects of government intervention but also provides robust data-driven support for policy-making endeavors.

$$\log \left({\displaystyle \frac{\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{Y}\le \mathrm{j}\right)}{1-\mathrm{P}\left(\mathrm{Y}\le \mathrm{j}\right)}}\right)={\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{j}}-\left({\mathsf{\beta }}_1{\mathrm{X}}_1+{\mathsf{\beta }}_2{\mathrm{X}}_2+...+{\mathsf{\beta }}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{X}}_{\mathrm{n}}\right)$$

In the model framework, intercept terms are incorporated for each level of satisfaction to capture transitions across different satisfaction thresholds. The coefficients represent the impact of independent variables on the log-odds of the probability of satisfaction. The approach is grounded in theoretical considerations and prior data analyses, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in earlier research, as detailed in the pertinent literature.

Within the context of an ordered logistic regression model, the cumulative probability refers to the probability that the level of satisfaction is at or below a given rank. Intercept terms, denoted as β, are associated with each satisfaction rank (excluding the lowest). Each rank has a corresponding intercept term. Coefficients, denoted as γ, associated with independent variables quantify the effect of these variables on the log-odds of the probability of achieving a particular satisfaction rank. Independent variables, denoted as X, represent the respective values of the variables under consideration.

3.3.2. Model Diagnostic Methods

The selection of diagnostic tests, including the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), pseudo-R-square value, and Wald test, was closely tied to the content and objectives of this study. The rationale for their use is outlined below:

The Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were employed to address the study’s aim of identifying factors influencing residents’ satisfaction with public services. Given the complexity introduced by the involvement of multiple variables—such as medical services, social security, and public security—the AIC and BIC were instrumental in selecting a model that balances goodness of fit with model simplicity. This is crucial for ensuring the explanatory power of the variables and preventing overfitting.

The pseudo-R-square value functions as a quantitative measure to assess the improvement in model performance over the baseline model, which lacks predictive variables. In this study, it was used to compare the explanatory power of the established ordered logistic regression model against the null model, thereby ensuring the model’s ability to elucidate the factors contributing to satisfaction with public services.

The Wald test was utilized to determine the statistical significance of each coefficient within the model. With a multitude of policy and personal characteristic variables related to public service satisfaction, the Wald test aided us in identifying which variables were statistically significant, confirming their practical and significant impact on satisfaction levels. This was vital for informing policy perspectives aimed at understanding and enhancing public services.

By employing these diagnostic tests, this research ensured the suitability of the model and the precision of its predictions, thereby offering policymakers actionable insights on how to refine public services to increase resident satisfaction. These tests not only bolstered the scientific rigor of this research but also guaranteed the dependability and efficacy of the findings, endowing the research with substantial practical applicability.

4. Model Validation and Result Analysis

4.1. Model Validation

4.1.1. Improvement of Log-Likelihood Values

The “−2 log-likelihood value” for the model incorporating the independent variables is 18,180.586, representing a substantial reduction from the value of 20,440.005 associated with the baseline model, which includes only the intercept. This decrease signifies that the inclusion of explanatory variables significantly enhances the model’s predictive capacity for the dependent variable, thereby statistically improving the model’s goodness of fit. (See

Table 5. Model fitting information.

Model	−2 Log-likelihood	Chi-Square	Degrees of Freedom	Significance
Intercept only	20,440.005
In final	18,180.586	2259.419	11	0.000

Source: Self-made by the author.

).

4.1.2. Chi-Square Values and Degrees of Freedom

The chi-square statistic for the model is 2259.419, with 11 degrees of freedom, and it yields a significance level of less than 0.001. Typically, the chi-square test is employed to ascertain whether the model, with its independent variables, offers an improvement over the baseline model. A significance level below 0.001 strongly suggests that the set of independent variables in the model collectively predicts changes in the dependent variable with statistical significance. Consequently, the current model is deemed significantly superior to the baseline model.

4.1.3. Significance Level

The p-value for the chi-square statistic is significantly below the commonly accepted thresholds of 0.05 or 0.01. This further confirms the statistical significance of the independent variables and underscores their substantial contribution to the model’s predictive power.

4.1.4. Pseudo ${\mathrm{R}}^2$ Value

The Cox and Snell pseudo-R² is 0.237, while Nagelkerke’s (often referred to as Negorko’s) pseudo-R² is 0.245 and McFadden’s pseudo-R² is 0.077. These values suggest that the model accounts for a portion of the variability in the dependent variable. In the context of studying human behavior or social phenomena, the use of pseudo-R² values is appropriate. This is because the inherent complexity and variability in these domains can be substantial, making it challenging for any model to provide a complete explanation. The obtained pseudo-R² values, therefore, reflect the model’s ability to offer a meaningful, albeit not exhaustive, explanation of the dependent variable’s variation. (See

Table 6. Pseudo R-square.

Cox and Snell	0.237
Negorko	0.245
McFadden	0.077

Source: Self-made by the author.

).

The intercept terms, commonly referred to as the g-series, represent the classification thresholds within the model, also known as intercepts. Each of these thresholds delineates a specific cut-off point for the dependent variable’s categories. The findings presented in

Table 7. Estimated values of parameters.

		Estimation	Std.	Wald	Degrees of Freedom	Significance	95% Confidence Interval
							Lower Limit	Upper Limit
Thresholds	[Resident satisfaction = 1]	−1.777	0.208	73.146	1	0.000	−2.185	−1.370
	[Resident satisfaction = 2]	−1.295	0.183	49.940	1	0.000	−1.654	−0.936
	[Resident satisfaction = 3]	−0.866	0.168	26.609	1	0.000	−1.196	−0.537
	[Resident satisfaction = 4]	−0.274	0.154	3.163	1	0.075	−0.577	0.028
	[Resident satisfaction = 5]	1.427	0.141	102.111	1	0.000	1.150	1.704
	[Resident satisfaction = 6]	2.321	0.141	271.547	1	0.000	2.045	2.597
	[Resident satisfaction = 7]	3.371	0.142	560.608	1	0.000	3.092	3.651
	[Resident satisfaction = 8]	4.950	0.147	1131.497	1	0.000	4.661	5.238
	[Resident satisfaction = 9]	5.793	0.150	1483.655	1	0.000	5.498	6.088
Placement	Level of information disclosure	0.124	0.013	92.213	1	0.000	0.098	0.149
	Level of social security	0.133	0.013	104.888	1	0.000	0.108	0.159
	Expanding employment levels	0.143	0.013	121.952	1	0.000	0.117	0.168
	Level of social security	0.109	0.016	48.297	1	0.000	0.079	0.140
	Level of health care	0.116	0.015	59.454	1	0.000	0.086	0.145
	Level of work employment	−0.022	0.021	1.114	1	0.291	−0.062	0.019
	Household size	0.031	0.010	9.390	1	0.002	0.011	0.050
	Level of community urbanization	−0.054	0.009	32.250	1	0.000	−0.073	−0.035
	Political profile: masses	−0.259	0.064	16.151	1	0.000	−0.385	−0.133
	Political profile: Member of the Communist Youth League	−0.527	0.091	33.752	1	0.000	−0.705	−0.349
	Political Affiliation: Member of the Communist Party of China or the Democratic Party	0	.	.	0	.	.	.
	Religiously affiliated	−0.012	0.058	0.040	1	0.841	−0.126	0.102
	Non-religious	0	.	.	0	.	.	.
Associative function: fractional logarithm.

Source: Self-made by the author.

indicate that all intercepts are statistically significant, as evidenced by their extremely low p-values (p < 0.001).

Regarding the independent variables, the table details a range of variables along with their associated Wald test outcomes. As observed in Table 7, the p-values for the majority of the independent variables are negligible, being far below the conventional threshold of 0.05. This demonstrates that the corresponding independent or control variables have a statistically significant impact on residents’ satisfaction with public services.

4.2. Model Result Analysis

The findings of the model in this study reveal that the coefficient for resident satisfaction increases progressively with the resident rating, which ranges from 1 to 9, with values ranging from −1.777 to 5.793. This result clearly suggests that after controlling for other variables, higher levels of resident satisfaction are positively associated with the dependent variable in the model. Specifically, this ascending trend indicates that for each level of residents’ satisfaction with the service, the anticipated increment in the corresponding dependent variable falls within the range specified, signifying a direct positive relationship between service quality and residents’ perceived satisfaction. This is in alignment with prior academic research on the beneficial effects of government intervention in information disclosure on resident satisfaction, suggesting that enhanced information disclosure is positively linked to higher resident satisfaction.

Nevertheless, for satisfaction level 4, the p-value of 0.075 surpasses the typical significance threshold (p < 0.05). This implies that at this particular level, while there is an apparent effect of satisfaction on the dependent variable, it does not reach statistical significance. Consequently, additional research or data may be required to substantiate the consistency of this result. This finding indicates that different levels of satisfaction may exert varying degrees of influence on the perceived quality of public services, echoing the complex interplay between healthcare and social security satisfaction and service quality, as noted in previous studies.

In the model, the coefficients for the degree of information disclosure, the level of social security, the degree of employment expansion, and the level of medical care are all positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). This indicates a significant positive correlation between the enhancement of these public services and the elevation of residents’ satisfaction levels. The positive coefficients suggest that as these variables improve, residents’ satisfaction with public services correspondingly increases. This finding aligns with previous research suggesting that proactive government intervention in these sectors can effectively enhance the quality of public services and, consequently, resident satisfaction. In healthcare and social security in particular, effective government intervention has been shown to have a direct positive impact on increasing resident satisfaction.

However, the coefficient for the level of employment expansion was not statistically significant (p = 0.291), implying that the influence of employment level changes on resident satisfaction, after controlling for other variables, did not reach statistical significance in the current data set. This result contradicts some previous studies, which have observed a significant positive effect of employment expansion on resident satisfaction. This discrepancy suggests that the relationship between employment levels and resident satisfaction may be more nuanced and subject to the influence of other unmeasured factors.

This study employed several indicators to assess the extent of government intervention, including the degree of information disclosure, the level of social security, the degree of employment expansion, and the level of medical services. The positive and statistically significant coefficients for these variables confirm that government intervention in these areas has contributed to increased resident satisfaction with public services. By examining these specific indicators, this study provides a quantitative assessment of the level and impact of government activities across different public service domains, offering a basis for evaluating the comprehensive effects of government intervention.

Furthermore, the analysis reveals that government intervention primarily enhances community residents’ satisfaction with public services by improving the quality and accessibility of these services. The model’s results demonstrate a significant and positive correlation between the degree of information disclosure, the level of social security, employment expansion, and healthcare service improvements with the rise in resident satisfaction.

Regarding personal endowment as a control variable, the positive coefficient for family size and the negative coefficient for the level of community urbanization are both statistically significant, indicating the diverse impacts of family and community environments on resident satisfaction. The positive coefficient for family size may suggest that larger families receive more comprehensive support from community services, while the negative coefficient for the level of community urbanization may indicate that higher urbanization levels are associated with certain pressures or factors that decrease satisfaction.

In the realm of political beliefs, the negative and statistically significant coefficients for the categories of ‘masses’ and ‘Komsomol members’ suggest that these groups exhibit lower levels of satisfaction with community services compared to the reference group with stronger political beliefs. This is consistent with the notion that political beliefs can influence individuals’ expectations and satisfaction with government-provided public services, possibly because those with stronger political beliefs maintain higher standards and expectations for public services. Additionally, the statistically insignificant effect of religious beliefs (p = 0.841) indicates that, in this study, religious beliefs did not play a significant role in shaping residents’ satisfaction with public services, aligning with the mixed findings of previous research on the impact of religiosity on public service satisfaction.

5. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations

5.1. Conclusions

5.1.1. Analysis of Independent Variable Effects

Utilizing residents’ personal endowments as control variables, this study employs ordered logistic regression modeling to investigate the impact of government intervention in pivotal areas such as healthcare, social security, employment expansion, and information disclosure on residents’ satisfaction with public services.

The analysis of the independent and dependent variables reveals that the estimated coefficients for the effects of government interventions in the aforementioned sectors are positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). This indicates that these interventions are effective in enhancing the quality and accessibility of public services, which consequently leads to a significant increase in the population’s satisfaction levels. The results of this study align with those of numerous international studies. For instance, a comparative study across several countries also identified a significant association between proactive government intervention in healthcare and social security and heightened resident satisfaction. These studies, much like the current one, highlight the pivotal role of healthcare service improvements in enhancing residents’ well-being. Furthermore, in the realm of information transparency, research has consistently shown that enhancing the transparency of government operations and the accessibility of information can markedly boost public trust and satisfaction with government services. As noted in the relevant literature, information disclosure is a crucial factor in elevating satisfaction with government services.

The impact of employment expansion on public service satisfaction, however, is more nuanced. Some studies suggest that the positive effects on satisfaction are more pronounced when employment expansion is coupled with improvements in job quality and a rational distribution of resources. This is particularly notable in developing countries, where governments have significantly enhanced the quality of life and satisfaction of the population by providing higher-quality employment opportunities.

The findings of this study underscore the critical role of government intervention in boosting satisfaction with public services, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and social security. In line with international studies, this research confirms that the effective implementation of policies in these areas is essential for improving the quality of life and satisfaction of the population. Additionally, the increase in information disclosure and transparency is internationally recognized as a key strategy for enhancing government trust and satisfaction. Although the impact of employment is complex, this study suggests that government efforts to provide quality employment opportunities, especially in developing countries, have a substantial effect on increasing resident satisfaction.

By comparing the outcomes of these studies, it becomes evident that the conclusions of this study are universal and relevant on a global scale. These findings not only validate the research hypotheses but also offer valuable insights for governments in formulating targeted public service strategies.

5.1.2. Assessment of Control Variable Effects

With respect to the population’s personal endowment, the estimated coefficient on the level of work and employment is negative but not statistically significant (p = 0.291). This suggests that while work and employment are important to residents, individual endowments in this area (e.g., job stability and income level) have less of an impact on satisfaction than government intervention.

The positive and significant coefficient for family size (p = 0.002) indicates that larger family size is associated with higher satisfaction, reflecting the importance of family support networks. This is consistent with other findings, such as some academic studies, which also point out that extended families usually exhibit higher life satisfaction due to support and resource sharing among members. This further emphasizes the importance of taking family structure into account when formulating public service policies.

Contrary to family size, the negative significant coefficient (p < 0.05) for the level of urbanization of the community suggests that the higher the level of urbanization, the lower the level of satisfaction, which may be attributed to social problems such as environmental pollution and the rising cost of living. This is in line with international studies that also found that environmental and social problems related to urbanization reduce residents’ satisfaction with quality of life, emphasizing the importance of urban planning and public service management in high-density urban environments.

In addition, studies have shown that different political identities may affect satisfaction with public services due to different expectations of government. In this study, the negative coefficients for political identity (masses and members of the Communist Youth League) indicate that these groups are less satisfied compared to members of the CCP or democratic parties, which may be due to differences in socio-economic well-being or ideological views. This is consistent with some of the literature that suggests that political beliefs can influence satisfaction with government services and that different political orientation may lead to lower satisfaction due to unsatisfactory government performance.

However, the impact of religion is not significant. This suggests that religious belief is not a major determinant in the complex set of factors affecting satisfaction with public services, but other studies have shown that in a particular socio-cultural environment, religious belief indirectly affects an individual’s satisfaction with public services by influencing his or her values and expectations. This apparent contradiction actually reveals the complexity and diversity of the impact of religious beliefs on public service satisfaction. The fact that religiosity does not have a significant effect on satisfaction in this study may indicate that religiosity does not directly determine satisfaction with public services in the particular sample or region of this study. This may be because other factors, such as economic conditions, government policies, or the quality of social services, may be more important in these areas. However, in some highly religious societies, religious groups may provide or influence certain public services, or religious teachings may emphasize specific expectations of social services, thus affecting satisfaction. Thus, this seeming contradiction actually reflects the diversity of phenomena in different research contexts. It emphasizes the importance of considering regional, cultural, and social contexts when understanding and interpreting data in social science research. It also suggests that exploring and understanding how religiosity affects satisfaction with public services in different contexts is a topic that deserves in-depth study in future research.

By controlling for residents’ individual endowments, this study reveals the significant effect of household size and the community urbanization level on resident satisfaction. It is found that government interventions in health care, social security, job expansion, and information disclosure have a positive effect on resident satisfaction. Individual endowments (e.g., family size and community urbanization level) also affect satisfaction, and these effects are more complex. At the same time, the importance of government policies that take into account residents’ individual endowments to improve quality of life is emphasized. This complements the theoretical framework for assessing resident satisfaction and provides an empirical basis for governments to develop more targeted public service strategies. Issues such as the decline in satisfaction in the urbanization process and other related problems highlight the deep reflection on the quality of urbanization and sustainable development strategies by the authorities concerned. Our study proves that government intervention in public services and social welfare is not only necessary but also plays a crucial role in improving residents’ satisfaction.

5.2. The Policy Suggestions

5.2.1. Enhancing Government Interventions in Core Public Service Domains

Strengthening health care and social security systems has a direct and positive impact on the satisfaction of the population. While insisting on the allocation of resources and the expansion and modernization of the healthcare infrastructure, the government should reform the mechanism for the delivery of social security benefits and improve the coverage and efficiency of services. In addition, it should continue to improve the government’s information disclosure mechanism and utilize digital technology to enhance interaction and communication with the public, so as to improve the public’s evaluation of and satisfaction with its services.

5.2.2. Employment Policies Centered on Quality and Adaptation

The empirical findings suggest that while the sheer number of employment opportunities may not significantly influence satisfaction levels, the quality of employment does have a positive effect on residents’ contentment. The government should prioritize the quality of employment over quantity, advancing high-skilled training initiatives, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing job-matching services. Moreover, tailored employment policies should be crafted to align with regional characteristics, ensuring that residents across different areas can derive benefits, thereby elevating overall employment satisfaction.

5.2.3. Enhancing the Management of Community Urbanization

Our empirical analysis indicates that the pressures exerted by increasing urbanization levels may diminish resident satisfaction. As urbanization progresses, the government should address the associated challenges of environmental degradation and the escalating cost of living. It is crucial to strengthen rationality and foresight in urban planning, augment public service infrastructure in densely populated urban areas, and improve the overall quality of life for urban residents. By implementing these strategies, the government can aim to ensure higher satisfaction and the continuous enhancement of the quality of life of residents experiencing urbanization.

5.3. Unique Contributions of This Study

This study makes several distinctive contributions to the extant literature on public service satisfaction and government intervention. Firstly, by utilizing an ordered logistic regression model, the research provides a sophisticated analysis of the effects of government interventions across various domains, including healthcare services, social security, public safety, employment opportunities, and information transparency. This methodological choice facilitates the comprehensive exploration of how these diverse factors collectively shape residents’ satisfaction with public services.

Secondly, in contrast to numerous prior studies, this investigation incorporates residents’ personal characteristics, such as socio-economic status, educational level, and age, into the analysis. This adjustment for individual differences enhances the validity of the findings by acknowledging the impact of personal attributes on satisfaction levels. Additionally, while this study acknowledges the necessity for deeper investigation into the satisfaction levels of marginalized and minority groups, its preliminary insights underscore the significance of this demographic, setting the stage for subsequent research to delve deeper into these populations. This underscores the importance of developing inclusive policies that cater to the varied needs of the entire community.

Furthermore, this study not only pinpoints the areas where government intervention has proven effective but also offers concrete policy recommendations informed by empirical evidence. These insights are invaluable for policymakers seeking to craft more precise and impactful public service programs. Although the current research suggests that ongoing monitoring is essential, it establishes a solid foundation for future longitudinal studies. By elucidating the immediate outcomes of government interventions, this research creates a pathway for subsequent inquiries to examine the long-term and potentially latent effects of these policies.