Why I Decided to Start Writing About Bestuurskunde: A Journey into Constructive Dissent
August 8, 2024
A week or two ago, I found myself at a crossroads, challenged by not one but two individuals to join politics. Each dared me, independently of one another, with similar reasoning: I am known for disagreeing with the government and for consistently offering insightful analyses and viable alternatives. One added a caveat: "Dissenting is not without its consequences. Politicians here do not appreciate it.” That statement made me pause and reflect.
Not long before, I realized the gap lies in a fundamental misunderstanding. People do not seem to know what bestuurskunde is. So, let’s clear that up first.
Bestuurskunde, or public administration, is the study of governance and the processes that guide public sector management. It involves examining how policies are made, how public institutions operate, and how they can be improved for the greater good. A bestuurskundige, or public administrator, does more than observe these processes; they actively analyze and critique them to suggest better alternatives.
But here is the kicker: bestuurskunde is, in its purest form, about dissenting. It is about questioning the status quo, challenging inefficiencies, and proposing improvements. A bestuurskundige does not just accept things as they are; they are committed to exploring how things could be. The essence of this field is constructive dissent — pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and seeking out innovative solutions.
In my recent encounters, the idea of dissent seemed almost taboo, especially in politics, where it’s often viewed with suspicion or outright hostility. However, dissent is not inherently harmful but a crucial part of progress. Constructive dissent is about building up rather than tearing down. It is about engaging with existing ideas, systems, and policies to make them better, more efficient, and more just (Goede, 2024).
When I dared to enter politics, I realized that what these individuals were really asking was for me to formalize my dissent—to take it beyond casual conversations and into a more public, actionable arena. But to do this effectively, people must understand bestuurskunde and why dissent is healthy and necessary for a functioning democracy.
These conversations inspired me to start writing about bestuurskunde — not just to define it but to embody it. As a bestuurskundige, my job is not just a profession but a lifestyle choice. It is a commitment to constant improvement, to never settling for mediocrity when excellence is possible. By writing about bestuurskunde, I hope to shed light on the importance of this field and the value of dissent in shaping better policies and governance.
Moreover, I want to encourage others to engage in constructive dissent. Whether you are in government, the private sector, or civil society, the principles of bestuurskunde apply. It is about critically looking at the world around us and asking, “How can this be better?”
So, while I am not ready to plunge into politics just yet, I am more committed than ever to the principles of bestuurskunde. When a public administrator joins politics, he is no longer a public administrator but a politician. Through my writing, I aim to foster a better understanding of this field and inspire others to see the value in dissenting constructively. After all, the goal isn’t to oppose for the sake of opposition but to push for improvements that benefit us all. And that, I believe, is something worth writing about.
Miguel Goede
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