Credibility Establishment Method (from Shang Yang's governance)

Overview

A technique for building public trust before implementing major policy changes.

Steps

1. Create a Simple, Verifiable Task

• Place a wooden pole (three zhang tall) at the city's south gate
• Announce: "Whoever moves this pole to the north gate will receive 10 gold pieces"

2. Observe Public Reaction

• People will be suspicious and hesitant
• No one will act immediately

3. Increase the Stakes

• Raise the reward significantly (to 50 gold)
• This signals seriousness and commitment

4. Reward the First Actor

• When someone finally performs the task, immediately pay the full reward
• This demonstrates that promises will be kept

5. Implement Your Actual Policies

• Now that credibility is established, announce the real laws and reforms
• People will believe and comply

Key Principle

"疑行无名，疑事无功" - Those who doubt their actions gain no reputation; those who doubt their undertakings achieve no success.

Expected Outcome

Public trust in government announcements, enabling smooth implementation of reforms.

Validation

1. Confirm the credibility demonstration was witnessed publicly and that word spread beyond immediate observers
2. Verify the full reward was paid immediately and visibly — any delay or reduction undermines the entire credibility-building exercise
3. Assess public compliance rates with initial reform announcements as a measure of whether credibility transfer succeeded