Strategisch ondersteunen

Strategic support. An empirical study of the roles and styles of council clerks In 2024, in the Netherlands council clerks are primarily seen as ‘strategists’ who play a crucial connecting role in the field of forces between the municipal council, the board, the civil service and society. Nonetheless, empirical research to date has suggested that this dimension is overestimated: council clerks would still mainly support the council administratively and secretarially. However, the studies in question use ambiguous definitions of ‘strategic action’ and do not make sufficient distinction between the task areas in which clerks are active. That is why the authors investigated more systematically, on the basis of fifteen interviews with council clerks, to what extent they operate operationally, tactically or strategically. They conclude that the strategic dimension of the clerk’s office is indeed dominant, but that there are significant differences by task area. The strategy style of clerks is mainly process-oriented and focused on ‘bringing out’ the perspective of the municipal council. Contrary to expectations, the size of the municipality hardly plays a role. The administrative culture appears to be more relevant, which can offer the strategically proposing clerk space, but can also work against him. Some council clerks, based on their experience and personal style, know how to make a difference, other council clerks end up in isolation. The results emphasize the importance of further professionalization and support of clerks in their strategic role, but also show that the more operational and tactical aspects of the function deserve continued attention.