Gauging the Impacts of Performance Information Disclosure on Citizen Satisfaction: Quasi‐Experimental Evidence From China

ABSTRACT Despite extensive research investigating the link between government performance and citizen satisfaction, our understanding is limited regarding whether and how information disclosure affects this relationship in the digital era. This study bridges this gap by examining the interactive effects of information disclosure and performance information on citizen satisfaction. We argue that information disclosure strengthens the “performance–satisfaction” link by aligning citizens' satisfaction evaluations more closely with government performance. Using a staggered difference‐in‐differences design, we analyze individuals' environmental satisfaction from the China Livelihood Survey (2011–2017) across municipalities, while government performance is measured using satellite data and information disclosure timing is sourced from government portals. Findings indicate a consistent relationship between government performance and citizen satisfaction due to information disclosure. Further analyses reveal that this effect is mediated by citizens' information‐seeking behaviors and is particularly pronounced among informationally disadvantaged citizens. This research contributes to understanding the performance–satisfaction relationship in a digital era.