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Appearance is a multidimensional aspect of self-presentation that encompasses observable attributes such as clothing, grooming, speech, and nonverbal behavior. These elements are often strategically managed to align with socially constructed expectations in different settings. For instance, individuals tailor their appearance during job interviews, social gatherings, or athletic events to meet the perceived norms of those environments.Contextual Adaptation and Social SignalsThe research...
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Strategic self-presentation refers to individuals' intentional efforts to influence how others perceive them. This process is employed in various social and professional settings, such as job interviews, dating, politics, and legal contexts, where individuals seek to shape impressions to gain social or material advantages. While people generally present themselves in ways that align with their authentic characteristics, external factors, such as cognitive load, can hinder their ability to...
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Navigating the dichotomy: The top public servant's craft.

Erik-Jan van Dorp1, Paul 't Hart1

  • 1Utrecht University School of Governance Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands.

Public Administration
|February 7, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Top public servants navigate the politics-administration dichotomy (PAD) using informal rules like mutual respect and loyalty. This study reveals their skillful balancing act between serving and influencing ministers.

Area of Science:

  • Public Administration
  • Political Science
  • Organizational Behavior

Background:

  • The politics-administration dichotomy (PAD) traditionally separates policy-making from its implementation.
  • Top public servants face challenges in balancing service to ministers with their own influence.
  • Understanding the practical application of PAD in core executive functions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how top public servants manage the inherent tensions within the politics-administration dichotomy in their daily work.
  • To identify informal 'rules of the game' that facilitate political-administrative interactions.
  • To analyze the strategies employed by senior civil servants to navigate ambiguous boundaries.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative research design utilizing extensive elite interviews.

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  • In-depth case study of a prominent Dutch top public servant with extensive experience.
  • Supplementary interviews with former ministers and colleagues to triangulate findings.

    • Main Results:

    • Identified three key informal rules: mutual respect, discretionary space, and reciprocal loyalty.
    • Demonstrated the practical craft of top public servants in responsively and astutely managing political-administrative boundaries.
    • Highlighted the complex, boundary-blurring nature of contemporary elite administrative work.

    Conclusions:

    • The traditional politics-administration dichotomy (PAD) is navigated through informal practices and adaptive strategies.
    • Future scholarship must account for temporal interactions, hybrid roles, and evolving accountability regimes.
    • Effective public service leadership requires adeptness in managing the fluid relationship between political and administrative spheres.