New development: The paradox of ambitious intentions and poor outcomes of cutbacks on the government’s workforce

Workforce reductions are gaining popularity again in various countries (including the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands). The authors explain why politicians and managers should deliberate very carefully why and how they initiate government workforce reductions. This involves considering the reasons behind these cutbacks, such as financial strain and their adverse effects, like capacity losses that could jeopardize the quantity and quality of service delivery. It also highlights an all too convenient adoption of across-the-board cuts, whereas targeted cuts, though more challenging, tend to be more sustainable.ABSTRACTThe article discusses why politicians are keen on propagating the reduction of staff numbers. The starting point is the recently established cutback programme for workforce reduction in the Dutch central government by around 20%. The authors critically analyse this programme and position it in an historical context of similar programmes in the Netherlands, cutback management literature and through an international comparison of workforce expenditures. Finally, the authors propose a model for conceptualizing politicians’ motives in cutback management.