Public Service Motivation and Public Opinion: Examining Antecedents and Attitudes

Practitioners, policymakers, and scholars study public opinion and public service values, but there is little research on how individual values influence PSM. This study examines the antecedents of PSM and its role in shaping public opinion using data from the 2016 US presidential election. Findings have implications for understanding who has PSM and how it shapes public preferences, attitudes, and behaviors.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 75 pages
\n Publication date: 11 March 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
\n

Practitioners, policymakers, and scholars from various fields and disciplines are diligently striving to comprehend the factors that shape public opinion and public service values, particularly in the context of today's polarized society. Despite our collective efforts, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of how these two aspects interrelate. Research on public service motivation (PSM), a driving force rooted in public institutions, has expanded its scope to examine career decisions and behaviors within and beyond the workplace. However, the question remains: does the influence of PSM extend to individual values? To address this inquiry, we employ data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study, encompassing the 2016 US presidential election. Our first objective is to explore the antecedents of PSM, delving into the individual characteristics, socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, and other pertinent factors that influence the levels of PSM among individuals.

Secondly, we examine the profound role that PSM plays in shaping public opinion on policy preferences, budget priorities, and political behaviors. These findings hold significant implications for our understanding of who possesses PSM and how it shapes public preferences, attitudes, and behaviors.

In conclusion, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between public service values, individual characteristics, and societal factors. By shedding light on the role of PSM in shaping public opinion, we aim to inform policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike in their efforts to foster a more informed and responsive public sector.

\n Weight: 154g\n
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 10 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108964005\n \n