Research recently published in International Review of Administrative Sciences examines how, within the context of collaborative governance, the involvement of societal organizations in policymaking influences the trust-based interactions between politicians and administrators that underpin complementarity.
The study, coauthored by Canel, Barandiarán and Bouckaert, is based on qualitative interviews conducted with politicians, civil servants, and societal organization representatives participating in a government program in the Basque Country (#Etorkizuna Eraikiz).
The study identifies responsiveness—alongside ability, benevolence, and integrity—as a predominant trust driver that also influences the others. Perceptions of effective complementarity between politics and administration appear to hinge on responsiveness, a key vector of trustworthiness that supports and sustains collaborative governance.
More specifically:
– in collaborative governance, openness to citizens’ participation may shape perceptions of competence, benevolence and integrity.
– conversely, lack of responsiveness may lead to the perception that competence, benevolence and integrity are also lacking.
-a responsive administration can enhance trustworthiness.
-this depends also on a constructive relationship between politicians and civil servants. Effective collaborative governance depends on the perception of an effective complementarity of politics and administration.
Here reference and access to full article:
Canel, M. J., Barandiarán, X., & Bouckaert, G. (2025). Developing trust to achieve complementarity for collaborative governance: Lessons from a government programme. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 00208523251390857. JCR Q1 https://bit.ly/4pr4tuh