Since the so-called migration crisis of 2015/2016, European governments have innovated in their migration management policies leading to the adoption of a new dissemination channel for Migration...Show moreSince the so-called migration crisis of 2015/2016, European governments have innovated in their migration management policies leading to the adoption of a new dissemination channel for Migration-Information Campaigns (MICs) which is social media. The literature shows that social media properties can significantly influence government digital communication including MICs. Nevertheless, social media adoption for MICs broadcasting and social media features’ impacts are two academically underexplored phenomena. Consequently, this thesis attempts to answer the following question: “How do social media properties impact the establishment and management of digital Migration-Information Campaigns run by public administrations?” where the properties are conceptualized into six affordances: visibility, communicability, interactivity, anonymity, persistence and editability. To do so, we carried out a qualitative and exploratory multiple-case research based on semi-structured interviews with European public servants and partner organizations involved in MICs development. The results of this research suggest that the distinct affordances of social media do have significant influences on MICs formulation and management depending on how they are perceived in terms of opportunities and constraints of actions. Some additional insights on safety matters, attaining the right audience and paid advertising use were brought up through multiple affordances. The findings invite policymakers to create proper social media guidelines for MICs, allocate adequate resources and re-evaluate their MICs for several improvements.Show less
In sociological research, historical and sociological institutionalism is used to understand the decision-making process within institutions. Since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the EU has...Show moreIn sociological research, historical and sociological institutionalism is used to understand the decision-making process within institutions. Since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the EU has frequently underlined to take action to support Ukraine and its sovereignty. This research will create an understanding of how the EU comes to conflict policy and why the institution eventually imposed economic sanctions in response to Russia.Show less
This research study examines the impact of the Dutch Work and Security Act (WWZ) on job quality in the Netherlands, specifically focusing on earnings, job security, and working conditions. Using a...Show moreThis research study examines the impact of the Dutch Work and Security Act (WWZ) on job quality in the Netherlands, specifically focusing on earnings, job security, and working conditions. Using a Difference-in-Difference (DiD) approach, the study compares the effects of the WWZ between two groups: employees with temporary contracts (treatment group) and employees with permanent contracts (control group). The Longitudinal Internet Studies for Social Sciences (LISS) dataset from 2013 to 2019 is utilized for the analysis. The results indicate that the WWZ has a significant positive effect on job security and working conditions, supporting the hypotheses. However, satisfaction with income is not significantly affected by the WWZ, contrary to expectations. When considering different sectors, the effects of the WWZ on job quality are not significant overall, except for a significant positive effect on job security in the commercial service sector. This finding suggests that there may be additional factors influencing job quality in different sectors, warranting further investigation. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the outcomes and consequences of the WWZ in terms of job quality for temporary employees in the Netherlands.Show less
The increasing fiscal constraints and concerns about the sustainability of the welfare state for future generations puts pressure on governments worldwide to implement retrenchment measures in...Show moreThe increasing fiscal constraints and concerns about the sustainability of the welfare state for future generations puts pressure on governments worldwide to implement retrenchment measures in social policy according to neoliberal ideas. In the Netherlands, the introduction of the Participation Act on January 1, 2015, drastically decentralized government powers with the dual objectives of delivering effective customization for vulnerable groups of welfare recipients and cost savings. This shift reflects a global trend in which governments reduce the welfare state and focus more on active citizen participation in society. Therefore, the central question that arises is how such significant changes in the social security system, combined with austerity measures, effectively reduce inequality in society. By employing a Difference-in-Differences analysis of data from the Dutch Household Survey (DHS), the effects of the Participation Act on employment and income inequality over the period 2010-2022 is examined. Based on statistically significant results, the hypothesis that over this period, the Participation Act failed to improve both the number of employed individuals and the actual hours worked among the target group compared to the general workforce is rejected. The research identifies a worrisome trend in increased inequalities concerning employment in society. However, the results support the expectation that the Participation Act has not been effective in improving income inequalities for the target group compared to non-welfare recipients. The study also reveals concerning outcomes for the income development of the Participation Act’s target group, which is on the brink of poverty and has no prospect of an improved situation. Thus, it is concluded that the Participation Act has not had a positive effect on reducing employment and income inequality among welfare recipients. Furthermore, recommendations are made for future reforms and further research on the relationship between the welfare state and social inequality.Show less
This paper explores the nature of the EU Common Security and Defense Policy and its influence on the path to European strategic autonomy, which has increasingly become salient in EU politics in the...Show moreThis paper explores the nature of the EU Common Security and Defense Policy and its influence on the path to European strategic autonomy, which has increasingly become salient in EU politics in the past few years. Not only because of military escalation in the East or the instability in the European Neighbourhood with regard to migration, but upheaval in the structures we thought to be invincible as well: America and NATO, and Brexit. Unexpected changes don’t necessarily lead to instability when autonomy is guaranteed. How can this be achieved for the EU? After analysing said influence in four dimensions of European strategic autonomy, the reader is presented with the conclusion that the CSDP has only had a relatively small influence, and many problems with its DNA prevent the Union from taking the steps required to become self-sufficient in an increasingly hostile environment.Show less
By integrating the theoretical frameworks of goal-setting theory and collaborative governance, this study explores the relationship between goal core properties (goal-clarity and goal-difficulty)...Show moreBy integrating the theoretical frameworks of goal-setting theory and collaborative governance, this study explores the relationship between goal core properties (goal-clarity and goal-difficulty) and work motivation among employees in collaborative public services. It does so by using a case of the Focalized Prevention Program (PPF) within the National Service for Specialized Protection of Children in Chile. A single-case qualitative design was adopted, and data was collected through eight semi-structured in-depth interviews with professionals at all levels in the PPF. The findings reveal that while job-goals are perceived as clear “on paper”, and job-goals are always perceived as very challenging, their direct influence on work motivation is complex. Collaborative structures involving multiple stakeholders introduce ambiguity, making goal clarity less influential, and goal-difficulty detrimental to work motivation, based on a very low sense of self-efficacy. The sector-specific unpredictable and pressing demands of Child Protection Services require high levels of adaptability, challenging the assumption of clear goals as the primary motivator. This research offers a nuanced perspective, adding new insights to goal setting theory and opening new paths for its integration with frameworks such as collaborative governance and Public Service Motivation.Show less
