Complex Responsibilities

Complex patterns of (international) co-operation between public and private actors are facilitated by new information and communication technologies. New technological practices challenge current systems of political, public management and frontline staff responsibilities since these responsibilities may not provide adequate structures for handling technological complexity. The impact of new technological practices upon these responsibilities demands further empirical analysis. This contribution investigates the relationship between new technological practices and political, public management and frontline staff responsibilities in Dutch immigration policies. The analysis shows that, in general, politicians, public managers and frontline public servants may be willing to act responsibly, but that the technological settings put severe limits on their ability. The author argues that the idea of reconceptualizing responsibilities in public administration as responsibilities for system learning should be further investigated to provide an answer to the growing complexities of (technology enabled) government policies.