What about “informality at the top”, i.e. how do power-holders bend rules outside of the formal framework? And what are its effects on credibility?

This is an important, emerging field for study within credibility theory. A typical example of “informality at the top” and its effects on credibility is the case on the expropriation of the indigenous Orang Asli community, and the way how formal procedures for Environmental Impact Assessment were changed to legitimize the construction of the Kelau Dam. Its effects on credibility have been well-documented.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQ1YRSeO5c&feature=youtu.be

See: Nor Hisham Md Bin Saman and Peter Ho, “A conditional trinity as ‘no-go’ against non-credible development? Resettlement, customary rights and Malaysia’s Kelau Dam”, Journal of Peasant Studies, 2016, Vol. 43, No. 6, pp. 1177-1205.