The COVID-19 pandemic as a game changer for public administration and leadership? The need for robust governance responses to turbulent problems

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic reveals that the public sector is not only facing simple and complex problem, but also turbulent problems characterized by the surprising emergence of inconsistent, unpredictable, and uncertain events. Turbulent problems call for robust governance solutions that are sufficiently adaptable, agile and pragmatic to upheld a particular goal or function in the face of continuous disruptions. The article defines the concepts of turbulence and robustness and provides examples of robust governance strategies that are illustrated by the current COVID-19 response. Finally, it draws the consequences of the new focus on robust governance for public administration and leadership.