De secretaris-generaal: politisering of verambtelijking? Een empirisch onderzoek naar sociale en politieke kenmerken van secretarissen-generaal 1945-1979
In: Acta politica: AP ; international journal of political science ; official journal of the Dutch Political Science Association (Nederlandse Kring voor Wetenschap der Politiek), Band 14, Heft 3, S. 343-377
ISSN: 0001-6810
Analyzed are social & political characteristics of Permanent Secretaries in the Netherlands during the period 1945-1979 (total N = 60). Results are interpreted in the context of some developments that have taken place at the highest levels in Dutch ministries: an increase in the number of political appointees & elected officials, the growing number of permanent undersecretaries, the growth of the major policy-making agencies within the ministries, & the increasing importance of the central staff agencies. The model Permanent Secretary is appointed between the ages of 44 & 48. He has studied law at Leiden U, & has been recruited from within the ministry. He is a Protestant, & a member of the Christian Democratic Party or, in the past, of one of the Christian parties; in party membership he is similar to the recruiting minister. No distinct trends are identified over the period considered. The Permanent Secretary & his staff adapt themselves to processes of politicization; however, this adaptation is slow & susceptible to certain kinds of backlash. 9 Tables. Modified HA.