Aligning the steering of governmental organizations a comparative mixed-methods study in Denmark using stewardship theory

Abstract

Stewardship theory offers considerable promise for strengthening trust between governments and organizations implementing policy. Recent studies show stewardship is partially applicable to the steering of public organizations yet it is not clear under what conditions. This study asserts that the steering of governmental organizations needs to be aligned with preferences and conditions of organizations, combining principal-agent and stewardship theory. The article adopts a unique nested comparative mixed methods study focusing on perceived and preferred steering of Danish agencies and educational institutions. The study finds a higher alignment of steering for agencies, mostly because participants experience real partnerships and closer proximity.