The principal-agent model has long been the guiding framework for the relationship between policy departments and implementing organizations. This model assumes information asymmetry and is based on mistrust, control, and conflicting objectives. In recent years, the stewardship model has been receiving increasing attention. This model assumes equality of information and is based on trust, performance agreements, and shared objectives. The WAU report describes this model as the most suitable for future collaboration between implementing agencies and ministries. After all, this model is better suited to a Public sector that focuses on realizing public values and providing services grounded in a human-centered approach. This model requires implementing agencies to: 1) be more sensitive to political impact, 2) maintain an open attitude—including regarding problems (“no surprises”)—and 3) when faced with bottlenecks, first seek solutions on their own rather than immediately turning to the client for help.

The discussion reveals that collaboration in practice is not so black-and-white. Most organizations report having a hybrid model. The shift toward the stewardship model is underway, but implementing agencies find that clients still often act out of mistrust and a desire to control. Where the stewardship model is the guiding principle, participants note that when tensions arise, both the client and the service provider tend to revert to old patterns of behavior—namely, mistrust, control, and withholding information.