The Diffusion of Trust Reforms within the Nordic Countries

Trust constitutes a cornerstone of Nordic welfare societies. This chapter examines the diffusion of public trust reforms, which have shaped governance and public leadership in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway for over a decade. In response to growing criticism of New Public Management-inspired control mechanisms, policymakers have introduced trust reforms to counteract dysfunctional oversight, decentralize decision-making, and empower frontline employees by granting them greater autonomy. The chapter provides an overview of the content and diffusion of these reforms, discussing both similarities and differences as well as opportunities and challenges associated with trust reforms. It argues that Nordic trust reforms offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to strengthen trust with public employees—both as a means to create more attractive public workplaces and to enhance the flexibility and quality of public service delivery.