Title:
IMPLICATIONS FOR SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE SOCIAL TRUST IN THE VALUE OF DISTANCE LEARNING DEGREES IN VIETNAM

Authors:
Mai Duc Thang and Nguyen Thi Hong Xuan

Abstract:
Using a quantitative survey combined with a review of relevant literature, this study shows that social trust in the value of distance learning degrees in Vietnam remains at a moderate level (Mean = 2.8161) and is shaped by systemic factors, including unclear training quality (REA3: r = 0.402), social bias (REA1: r = 0.382), and negative media coverage (REA2: r = 0.352). Respondents without prior distance learning experience were more strongly affected by social influences (REA5: r = 0.477), whereas respondents with such experience were more influenced by practical factors such as employer interaction (REA4: r = 0.422) and training quality (REA3: r = 0.428). A further contribution of the article lies in its paired cause-solution analysis and its examination of both the separate and combined effects of proposed solutions. The results indicate that the set of causes substantially explains trust (R² = 0.567), whereas the set of solutions has low explanatory power (R² = 0.043-0.120), and their combined effect is almost insignificant (R² = 0.004). This suggests a gap between high agreement with proposed solutions and actual changes in trust. On this basis, and in comparison with international experience, the study proposes three directions: enhancing transparency in training quality, shifting communication toward real experiences and competencies, and strengthening university-industry linkages to improve social trust.

Keywords:
social trust, value of distance learning degrees, distance learning in Vietnam, social trust in distance learning degrees.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9324

Date of Publication: 25-06-2026