Executive Representation

ABSTRACT There is an enormous theoretical literature on representation through parliamentary means, and a growing literature representation through extra‐parliamentary pathways. However, there is little philosophical literature on representation through the executive. This paper introduces two forms of executive representation—executive leadership and process executive—arguing that these form two different aspects of executive representation. Current theoretical literature discusses leadership executive in terms of symbolic representation but outside of public administration philosophers have ignored process representation. This is a major lacunae since the bulk of citizen interaction with the state are through the courts, police, welfare officers, tax officers, planning departments, teachers, and so on. Briefly reviewing the empirical literature, we argue that process executive representation requires a culture of empathetic leadership and deliberation, alongside descriptive representation. These ideas fit well with political theorists discussion of assembly representation arguing that these ideas need application to the executive as well as the legislature. We also briefly examine how new public management, digitalization, and AI threaten process executive representation. Our paper brings ideas and evidence to the attention of political theorists to inspire further work on executive representation.