
Public Service Motivation?
Rethinking What Motivates Public Actors
Chris O'Leary(Author)
Policy Press
1st Edition
Published on 27. May 2022
Book
Hardback
188 pages
978-1-4473-6079-7 (ISBN)
Description
Chris O'Leary looks afresh at the reasons for prosocial work choices in the first substantive critique of Public Service Motivation (PSM).
With critical analysis of theoretical and empirical research to date, this book explores the pros and cons of PSM and interrogates the reasons why people choose to work in the public and third sectors. It proposes an alternative theory for the pursuit of service, rooted in rational choice theory, that shows public servants are expressly motivated to confirm their values and identity through their work.
For those involved in public policy, administration and management, this is a constructive and stimulating review of an important but often neglected aspect of the sector.
With critical analysis of theoretical and empirical research to date, this book explores the pros and cons of PSM and interrogates the reasons why people choose to work in the public and third sectors. It proposes an alternative theory for the pursuit of service, rooted in rational choice theory, that shows public servants are expressly motivated to confirm their values and identity through their work.
For those involved in public policy, administration and management, this is a constructive and stimulating review of an important but often neglected aspect of the sector.
More details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bristol University Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
2 s/w Abbildungen, 5 s/w Tabellen
5 Tables, black and white; 2 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
313 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4473-6079-7 (9781447360797)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2022
1st Edition
Policy Press
€28.99
Available for download

E-Book
05/2022
1st Edition
Policy Press
€39.99
Available for download
Person
Chris O'Leary is Senior Lecturer in the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Content
1: Introduction
Part I: A Critique of Public Service Motivation Theory
2: Conceptualising Public Service Motivation
3: The Public in Public Service Motivation Theory
4: Decision-making in Public Service Motivation Theory
5: Observing Public Service Motivation
Part II: Expressively Motivated Public Employees
6: Rationality, Expressive Interests and Public Service Motivation
7: Conclusion
Part I: A Critique of Public Service Motivation Theory
2: Conceptualising Public Service Motivation
3: The Public in Public Service Motivation Theory
4: Decision-making in Public Service Motivation Theory
5: Observing Public Service Motivation
Part II: Expressively Motivated Public Employees
6: Rationality, Expressive Interests and Public Service Motivation
7: Conclusion