Public managers’ trust in citizens and their preferences for behavioral policy instruments: evidence from a mixed-methods study

Abstract Local public managers increasingly use behavioral policy instruments to influence the behavior of citizens. However, despite their increased reliance on these instruments, there is little evidence why local manager would prefer over classic stick, carrot or sermon-type instruments. We conduct a mixed-methods study, combining stated-preference survey and two focus groups, examine whether senior (directors deputy directors) in Flanders explore trust citizens (perceptions citizen's ability, benevolence integrity) affects preferences for The results indicate that some areas, such as health, nuisance road safety, appear more willing than sticks carrots, but not sermons. Furthermore, we find managers’ does significantly affect political economic motives do play role Finally, also simultaneous (packaging) can help mediate perceived risks citizens’ non-compliance with