Research Jan Wynen

Abstract

Trust in public governance is essential for a well-functioning society. This is especially so in the face of grand societal challenges, which put increasing pressure on trust and spark distrust. In this respect, it is essential to understand how trust is built through successful governance. Equally important is recognising that trust in itself is a fundamental prerequisite for successful governance. Therefore, and building on previous work of the GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence on trust and multilevel governance, the new GOVTRUST research programme focuses on trust and distrust in the governance of societal transitions. In doing so, GOVTRUST will make significant interdisciplinary contributions to both the trust literature and the scholarship regarding the governance of transitions. Contemporary governance of society is increasingly defied by uncertain and disruptive challenges affecting every part of our society. Societal challenges, such as climate change and digitalisation, represent very complex, interdependent, and multi-dimensional problems that require collaborative efforts of public, private, and non-profit actors, as well as individual citizens. In responding to these complex challenges, major societal transitions - i.e., systemic changes and deliberate alterations in the functioning of society - are necessary. The standard governance repertoire has not been able to bring about such successful transitions: e.g., at several governance levels negotiations are blocked, and regulatory and policy frameworks are strongly contested, rigid, and inapt to respond to scientific advances. It is therefore crucial to rethink governance, both regarding the arrangements and processes needed to make collective decisions, and regarding the capacities and behaviours of organisational and individual actors at different levels of governance (incl. local, regional, national, EU, international levels). Trust is a fundamental condition for such complex governance systems to perform well. Although the literature and our own GOVTRUST research have shown that a certain degree of distrust between actors within a governance system (public, private and civil society actors) might be functional in specific instances, recurring reports of distrust point to significant problems. When trust evaporates and/or distrust rises, cooperation between these governance actors is compromised, making successful governance of societal transitions very hard to achieve. Moreover, the actual (lack of) response of governance systems to societal challenges will in turn have an impact on trust by citizens in those systems. Therefore, GOVTRUST will focus on trust and distrust in and within the governance of transitions. GOVTRUST's core aim is to understand and analyse the dynamics, causes and effects of trust and distrust in and within the governance of societal transitions. As interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to achieve this aim, the GOVTRUST consortium unites strong research teams from political science, public administration, law, communication sciences, sociology, organisational behaviour, and learning sciences. By expanding the existing consortium with experts from sociology, organisational behaviour, and learning sciences, the GOVTRUST consortium has all the necessary conceptual, theoretical, and methodological expertise to make ground-breaking contributions. With its unique capacity and experience, GOVTRUST will engage in frontline conceptual and theoretical innovation, combining advanced methodological approaches that prioritise interdisciplinarity and the involvement of societal actors. In this way, the expanded GOVTRUST consortium will build on its acquired expertise to generate major scientific breakthroughs and substantial societal impacts regarding trust in the governance of societal transitions, while further consolidating and strengthening its international position and the international visibility of the University of Antwerp in the field.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Bursens Peter
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Popelier Patricia
• Co-promoter: Van den Bossche Piet
• Co-promoter: van Zimmeren Esther
• Co-promoter: Walrave Michel
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Given the current tenuous state of trust between institutions and actors at different levels in the EU governance system, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence STRATEGO aims to teach, research and disseminate knowledge on the dynamics, causes and effects of trust between the actors and institutions involved in EU multi-level governance of sustainable development, with a focus on business and entrepreneurship, climate and biodiversity, and health policies. This empirical scope of STRATEGO connects with the UN's sustainable development goals, the policy priorities of the European Commission and the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme. STRATEGO will develop interdisciplinary synergies on EU governance, trust and sustainable development by bridging teaching, research and outreach efforts across disciplines at the University of Antwerp. Throughout all activities, STRATEGO will go beyond the usual producers and consumers of EU studies. It will bring EU governance knowledge of the Social Sciences, Law and Economics faculties to students and staff of the Science and Health Sciences faculties, and it will reach out beyond the academic environment to foster a dialogue with professionals, civilsociety and the general public. In terms of teaching, STRATEGO will ensure interdisciplinarity through guest lectures, joint supervision of bachelor and master theses and innovative formats such as simulations and micro-credentials. In terms of research, STRATEGO will bring together staff from various disciplines through research seminars, PhD masterclasses and a visiting scheme for early career scholars. In terms of outreach beyond the academic context, STRATEGO will organise activities such as thematic webinars, outreach workshops and activities for specific audiences such as secondary schools.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bursens Peter
• Co-promoter: Beutels Philippe
• Co-promoter: De Bièvre Dirk
• Co-promoter: Hoijtink Marijn
• Co-promoter: Matthysen Erik
• Co-promoter: Meeusen Johan
• Co-promoter: Meier Petra
• Co-promoter: Popelier Patricia
• Co-promoter: Vanderstraeten Johanna
• Co-promoter: Van Dooren Wouter
• Co-promoter: van Zimmeren Esther
• Co-promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Vicca Sara
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project website

Project type(s)

• Education Project
• Research Project

Abstract

The rise of social media, fake news and government distrust have led to an increasingly hostile environment for many public sector organizations (PSOs), leaving them struggling with their reputation. In an effort to explain negative reputations, reputation scholars generally assume that more bureaucratic organizations are more likely to evoke negative reputations. However, empirical evidence for this claim is non-existent, while a growing body of research is also re-establishing the value of bureaucratic organizational forms. Furthermore, the reverse relation – that is: the effect of negative reputations on bureaucraticness – has also received scant theoretical and empirical attention. Yet insights from organizational psychology suggest that external threats (such as negative reputations) may provoke bureaucratic tendencies. If confirmed, this means that negative reputations may become a self-fulfilling prophecy that determines the internal structure of PSOs. Examining this claim has important societal implications for understanding how to respond to current distrust and critiques towards PSOs, as well as how to design better reputed PSOs. Through a multi-method design, the aim of this project is threefold: first, examining the causal effect of bureaucraticness on the reputation of PSOs; second, examining the causal effect of negative reputations on bureaucraticness; and third, analysing the causal mechanisms underlying these effects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan
• Co-promoter: Boon Jan

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Policy Research Centre on Governance innovation supports the Flemish Government with academic an policy relevant advice on public administration. The Centre is a collaboration of the Universities of Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven and Antwerp. Research projects in Antwerp deal with local governance capacity, local personnel statute, and organisation of the Flemish government.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Dooren Wouter
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project, the researchers aim to provide evidence-based insights to stimulate and support student entrepreneurship of higher education students in Flanders. The project consists of two research tracks aimed to yield actionable outcomes: A qualitative research track which involves gathering in-depth information and practical proposals for fostering and facilitating student entrepreneurship and students' entrepreneurial mindset in higher education institutions. The study will develop (a) ideal type(s), informed by a thorough analysis of existing models and frameworks, to serve as (an) effective blueprint(s) for Flemish educational institutions and their entrepreneurship centres. The qualitative research track will be progressively phased out in 2024. A quantitative research track which aims to achieve the following objectives: Mapping entrepreneurial activities and intentions: Through data collection (participation in the GUESSS data gathering wave) and analysis, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the current entrepreneurial landscape among Flemish higher education students. This includes identifying the activities being pursued and the motivations driving their entrepreneurial aspirations. International benchmarking: By comparing the entrepreneurial activities and intentions of Flemish higher education students with international data (thanks to our participation in the GUESSS data gathering waves), we gain valuable insights into the relative performance and position of Flanders on a global scale. This benchmarking exercise enables us to identify areas for improvement and implement effective measures in line with international standards. Creation of a unique Flemish panel dataset: This dataset enables the targeted and informed development of long-term policies by providing a platform to track and analyze the evolving entrepreneurial activities of Flemish students over time. By utilizing results based on this dataset, policymakers can make informed decisions and adapt their strategies based on the changing dynamics of the student entrepreneurship landscape.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanderstraeten Johanna
• Co-promoter: Albers Sascha
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Management

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the recent past, there has been an erosion of institutional trust which in turn has led governments longing for ways to restore trust in institutions.Yet, there is only little research to guide a comprehensive understanding of trust restoration. COVID-19 sent shockwaves that could have undermined trust further but surprisingly led to citizens rallying behind government institutions. COVID-19 offers an opportunity to nations to take remedial actions that restore decade long withering levels of trust in institutions. Truly interdisciplinary and bringing about theoretical, empirical,methodological and social innovations, COVITRU investigates the relationship between citizen trust in institutions and COVID-19 economic relief measures taken by government institutions in France, Belgium and Netherlands. To achieve that, COVITRU 1) explores and assesses possible statistically significant correlations between citizen's perceived threat to economic security during COVID-19 crisis and surge in levels of trust, 2) finds out whether the surge in institutional trust has been mainly driven by a rally-round-the-flag effect or citizens' satisfaction with economic measures and 3) traces and evaluates any causal mechanisms between evolution of trust and change in relief measures.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan
• Fellow: Sempiga Olivier

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In response to today's hectic and complex society, waves of reforms have been implemented in OECD countries to modernize the public sector. This reform appetite has caused many public organizations to be involved in near-endless cycles of reforms. Recent findings indicate that the ambiguity and uncertainty that intense reforms bring about may drastically increase employee work stress. Structural reforms therefore may paradoxically undermine the very performance and adaptability of public sector organizations they seek to improve, a process that has been labelled repetitive reform injury. The question then becomes: how can government reap the benefits of reforms (flexibility, adaptability,…) without negatively affecting employee work stress? Given the continued interest in, and necessity of, reforming public organizations, it is crucial to deepen our understanding on how to avoid repetitive reform injury. This project addresses this question by theorizing and testing the influence of the full-range of leadership behaviors (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership) on employee work stress in settings of varying reform intensity. The project contributes not only theoretically, but also answers to recent calls for the application of more innovative and rigorous methods.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan
• Co-promoter: Boon Jan
• Fellow: Van Doninck Dries

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Inspired by advancements in neuroendocrinology, this funding proposal aims at supporting a pilot study on the usefulness of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) analysis for understanding the effect of intense change sequences on civil servants.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Organizations need to continuously adapt in response to evolving circumstances and demands (Aguilera, 2018). One way to make organizations more responsive to their external environment is to drastically alter the organizational structure (for example, through mergers, acquisitions, splittings, or changes of task) and, thus, the way an organization functions. These incentives for change operate in both the private and public sector. The pace at which such structural changes are introduced has increased significantly over the last decade, leaving less or no recuperation time for organizations and their employees (Rees and Rumbles, 2012). The notion that change is an exceptional episode in an organization's lifetime (Pettigrew and Whipp, 1991) is no longer valid; organizations experience intense, unwavering sequences of structural changes (Brunsson, 2009). Corporate governance practices and systems can facilitate the successful implementation of these changes, for instance, by supporting and creating openness in decision-making processes. However, each single structural change inherently threatens the transparency of and participation in decision-making processes. As organizational psychology literature has illustrated (e.g., threat-rigidity theory; Seo and Hill, 2005), structural changes are likely to introduce a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety, putting strain on organizations and their employees. This can lead employees to stick to established work procedures and to avoid new information that does not fit well with their established mode of thinking—thus directly affecting decision-making processes. Moreover, managers in various echelons of an organization will have a tendency to centralize decision-making in order to mitigate a perceived 'crisis' as swiftly as possible. These symptoms are expected to be reduced when organizations and employees are given time to recover from a structural change. However, the few studies on change sequences (e.g., Rafferty and Griffin, 2006) argue that intense structural change sequences can impede such a gradual recovery. This will, in turn, paralyze the working of an entire organization, threatening organizational adaptability (e.g., McMurray, 2010). Nevertheless, to date, little is known about how decision-making processes evolve in the light of continuous structural changes and how this impacts the adaptability of an organization. This research examines the effect of intense structural change sequences on innovation and organizational performance through their impact on decision-making processes while controlling for corporate governance structures. It relies on a mixture of small-N qualitative and large-N quantitative analysis on both private and public organizations. Because of its innovative character, the results will be highly informative to researchers in organization and management sciences, organizational psychology, innovation, and public management.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan
• Fellow: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This BOF funded project will qualitatively investigate (a) the short term and (b) the long term impact of extensive structural changes on decision-making processes within organizations. Two measurement point will be applied, not only allowing to assess the long-term impact, but also to improve causal inference.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Wynen Jan
• Fellow: Verlinden Stephanie

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research project funded by the Flemish Research Fund: Customer satisfaction regarding public services is often only loosely coupled to changes in actual performance. This gap between satisfaction and performance may lead to misguided reforms and may erode trust in public services. Literature shows how the incapacity of customers to assess actual performance can be attributed to the bounded rationality of customers. We know less about how public communication influences this bounded decision making that underlies the performance-satisfaction gap. With the rise of social media, the communication channels for public sector organizations have grown extensively. Twitter has become the dominant medium since it allows public organizations to interact directly with large audiences and offer live updates on services. Twitter should be ideally suited to address the information problem and thus to mitigate the performance-satisfaction gap. Yet, studies to the potential benefits and effects of social media within a public sector context are lacking. This project therefore asks whether and how public communication by public service providers via Twitter reduces the performance satisfaction gap. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest setup with advanced time series modelling, this project will bring new insights on what influences satisfaction of public services, the effect of public communication through social media as well as methodological innovation in the use of social media sources for Public Administration research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Van Dooren Wouter
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research Project funded by the Flemish Research Fund: In the last decades, waves of structural reforms have been implemented in OECD countries to create more efficient public services, causing some organizations to have experienced severe and continuous trajectories of for instance mergers, splits and changes in legal form. While governments continuously impose structural reforms to improve public sector performance, we may simultaneously expect such continuous structural reforms to have detrimental side-effects, such as strong reductions in employee job satisfaction. Recognizing that continuous structural reforms have become a pervasive feature of modern public sectors, the research proposed here will innovatively investigate (a) the effect of extensive structural reform histories on post-reform levels of job satisfaction and (b) the impact of such reform histories on the long-term recuperation of job satisfaction levels following sequences of reforms. We utilize a combination of both large-N regression analysis and a small-N natural experiment. Both the large-N and small-N phases will utilize two measurement points, not only allowing us to assess the long-term development of job satisfaction, but also to improve causal inference. As job satisfaction has been linked with factors such as performance, turnover and even sick leave on the basis of single reform studies, but the long-term effects of continuous structural reforms remain unexplored, the project holds important implications for scholars and policy-makers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In response to economic pressures and increasing demands on public sector performance, subsequent waves of public sector reforms were introduced over the last decades. During these global reform waves, public sector organizations were subject to a wide array of structural changes. Research has largely neglected the impact of such sequential and repeated structural changes on public sector organizations. My research addresses this gap and examines the effect of an organization's history of structural changes on a key variable for the functioning of a public sector organization: the way it deals with organizational autonomy. The autonomy an organization enjoys in practice does not always equal the formal autonomy it received from political principals (parliament, cabinet and ministers). Some organizations do not fully exploit their autonomy leading to situations whereby organizations are unable to fulfill their goals for society. In contrast, others try to maximize and even expand it, making the organizations more resistant to control from their political principals. Consequently, the issue of organizational autonomy is attracting much academic interest because it impacts directly on both public sector performance as well as democratic control of public organizations. The link between an organization's history of structural changes and its organizational autonomy will be examined using large N data as well as small N indepth case studies. This FWO post-doc is carried out at both KULeuven and UAntwerpen.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Fellow: Wynen Jan

Research team(s)

• Public Administration & Management
• Politics & Public Governance

Project type(s)

• Research Project