Public Service Ethos: Developing a Generic Measure

• Published in: Journal of public administration research and theory 2011-01, Vol.21 (1), p.27-51
• Main Authors: Rayner, Julie, Williams, Helen M., Lawton, Alan, Allinson, Christopher W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Civil service; Discriminant analysis; Factor Analysis; Government services; Human resources; Individuals; Management theory; Modeling; Motivation; Motivation research; Parametric models; Private sector; Psychometrics; Public Administration; Public Interest; Public management; Public sector; Public Services; Quantitative psychology; Studies; Values
• ISSN: 1053-1858; 1477-9803
• DOI: 10.1093/jopart/muq016

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.