Change, Change Agents and Gender Dynamics in Public Organizations: Challenges and Opportunities

This chapter explores how gender dynamics shape the experiences, expectations, and effectiveness of change agents in public organizations during policy implementation. Drawing on a three-wave survey and a conjoint experiment from two German local administrations undergoing digital transformation, the study examines gender differences in stress, resilience, perceived uncertainty, and leadership behaviors. The findings reveal that stress and resilience fluctuate differently across genders over time, with female change agents demonstrating steadier resilience and a heightened sensitivity to structural constraints. Furthermore, while employees generally prioritize competence and relational leadership over surface-level characteristics, those with prior experience in digitalization initiatives exhibit a significant preference for female change agents. Ultimately, the authors argue that recognizing these gendered experiences is essential for overcoming bureaucratic resistance, legitimizing women’s leadership, and ensuring the sustainable implementation of public sector reforms.