Public Service Ethos: Developing a Generic Measure

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Rayner, Julie; Williams, Helen M.; Lawton, Alan; Allinson, Christopher W.
• 署名单位: Durham University; Swansea University; University of Hull; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; University of Leeds
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH AND THEORY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1053-1858
• DOI: 10.1093/jopart/muq016
• 发表日期: 2011
• 页码: 27-51
• 关键词: motivation measurement; CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR; measurement scale; job-satisfaction; Cross-validation; WORK OUTCOMES; performance; management; ORGANIZATION; VALUES

摘要

This article conceptualizes public service ethos as a multidimensional construct and develops a framework that explains first, why individuals are motivated by this ethos (Public Service Belief); second, how they deliver public services in accordance with this ethos (Public Service Practice); and third, what ends they perceive it to endorse (Public Interest). Despite considerable interest in public service ethos within the public administration literature, research is constrained by the absence of a measure of this ethos. This article therefore reports three studies conducted to advance theory and research through the development of a psychometrically sound instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates support for a three-factor structure, where the dimensions are distinct but related aspects of public service ethos. Moreover, findings show this measure to be valid, reliable, and generalizable. As such it offers researchers an instrument with which to better explore the character and existence of a public service ethos.