Spirituality and public service

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Houston, David J.; Cartwright, Katherine E.
• 署名单位: University of Tennessee System; University of Tennessee Knoxville
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6210.2006.00699.x
• 发表日期: 2007
• 页码: 88-102
• 关键词: Religion; HEALTH; care; attitudes; employees

摘要

The common pronouncement of a career in public service as a calling echoes with a decidedly spiritual chord. However the spiritual roots of public service have been ignored in much of the public administration scholarship. This essay examines the empirical connection between individual spirituality and participation in public service occupations. Data from the 1998 General Social Survey are analyzed to determine whether those in public service occupations are more spiritual than persons in non-public service occupations. The findings indicate that individual in public service occupations, especially government-related ones, are in fact more spiritual in their attitudes than others. Moreover, belief in the notions Of transcendence and compassion for others are more pronounced in public service employees. Finally, the experience of interconnectedness and life meaning is greater for those in the public service.