The changing Public Service Bargain in the federal administration in Belgium

Abstract

Successive waves of reforms in government have caused radical changes in the relations between top civil servants and politicians. This article examines the extent to which politico—administrative relations have changed in the Belgian federal administration, as a result of the Copernicus reform. Using the concept of Public Service Bargain (PSB), we look at changes in reward, competency and loyalty/responsibility. Research is conducted among the highest ranking officials by means of a questionnaire and interviews. The main research findings reveal the emergence of a ‘hybrid’ public service bargain, instead of the expected ‘managerial’ bargain. The article concludes with some theoretical explanations for these findings.