Political Polarization and Bureaucratic Dissent: Survey Evidence from the Netherlands

Many Western democracies are experiencing a rise in populism and political polarization. These developments change the environment in which civil servants operate. This study uses survey data from Dutch civil servants to examine how polarization relates to bureaucratic behaviour, focusing on the willingness to dissent when confronted with unethical or undesirable political directives. Building on theories of neutrality, responsiveness, and ethical leadership, the study explores how personal and organizational characteristics shape this willingness. The results indicate that role perceptions and democratic values are central predictors of dissent. Civil servants with a strong commitment to democratic norms are more likely to express dissent, especially when they perceive democratic threats. Ethical organizational climates, by contrast reduce covert dissent and psychological safety increases internal voice. By analysing bureaucratic dissent in a polarized yet stable democracy, this study extends a field of research that has largely focused on contexts of democratic backsliding. It highlights that questions about bureaucratic resistance and professional dilemmas are also highly relevant in conventional democracies facing political polarization but not (yet) democratic backsliding.