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Public Service Motivation and Civic Engagement

The Role of Pro-social Motivations in Shaping Society

Authors: Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book explores the behaviours that result from Public Service Motivation (PSM), outside of a firm or agency environment. Covering topics such as volunteering, and political participation, the authors present rich empirical data from the US and the UK, as well as other countries. With fresh insights into a growing area of interest, this book will provide valuable reading for researchers working in the field of PSM, and those involved in working towards a successful and sustainable society.

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Table of Contents

Frontmatter

1. On the Nature of Public Service Motivation

Abstract

The chapter offers a brief introduction to the main theme of the book and provides an outline of subsequent chapters. It briefly introduces the concept of public service motivation (PSM) defined as an other-oriented need to contribute to society and discusses its state- and trait-like nature.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

2. Zooming In on Public Service Motivation I: Conceptual Facets

Abstract

PSM has been criticized for being difficult to distinguish from related constructs such as altruism, intrinsic and prosocial motivation. First, this chapter describes the conceptual underpinnings of PSM and introduces its dimensions as commonly found in the literature. Second, this chapter links up to the debate of construct clarity in PSM and discusses conceptual facets of PSM in relation to related constructs. Third, the chapter closes with brief look at civic engagement as interpreted in this book.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

3. Zooming In on Public Service Motivation II: Construct Measurement

Abstract

The literature on PSM produced a variety of measures that researchers use in empirical studies. This chapter presents a descriptive overview of the most commonly used scales in empirical PSM studies. Indeed, the measurement of PSM has by now produced a notable set of methodologically oriented studies of which the latest development is the addition of new dimensions to the PSM scale. The chapter reviews these developments.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

4. The Association of Public Service Motivation and Civic Engagement: Linking PSM and Volunteering Intensity

Abstract

While PSM studies have already shown it is a determinant of the frequency of volunteering, it is unclear how PSM is associated to intensity when volunteering. This chapter introduces the concept of volunteering intensity as a supplement to the usual assessment of volunteering in terms of time and frequency. This is particularly important because it emphasizes a quality dimension that cannot simply be captured in time- and frequency-based evaluations of volunteering, therefore giving another layer to the analysis. The chapter first addresses the issue on conceptual grounds and then tests the relation between PSM and volunteering intensity in a sample of 324 British volunteers.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

5. Civic Engagement as Political Participation: Does PSM Create Politically Active Citizens?

Abstract

In this chapter, we address the relationship between PSM and political participation. Results from a two-wave study of 300 individuals show a positive association between PSM and some political participation activities such as contacting politicians, petition signing, participation in demonstrations, donations and fundraising. We further corroborate the findings on volunteering presented in the previous chapter.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

6. Lessons Learnt and the Way Forward

Abstract

This chapter reviews the main findings of the previous chapters in order to draw a list of clear-cut conclusions. The chapter ends with a suggested agenda for future research and some concluding remarks.

Fabian Homberg, Joyce Costello

Backmatter

Title: Public Service Motivation and Civic Engagement
Authors: Fabian Homberg
Joyce Costello
Copyright Year: 2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-02453-6
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-02452-9
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02453-6