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Revisiting the Motivational Bases of Public Service: Twenty Years of Research and an Agenda for the Future
Author(s) -
Perry James L.,
Hondeghem Annie,
Wise Lois Recascino
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
public administration review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.721
H-Index - 139
eISSN - 1540-6210
pISSN - 0033-3352
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-6210.2010.02196.x
Subject(s) - public service motivation , scholarship , public service , service (business) , public relations , sociology , behavioural sciences , political science , psychology , public administration , social science , public sector , marketing , business , law
How has research regarding public service motivation evolved since James L. Perry and Lois Recascino Wise published their essay “The Motivational Bases of Public Service” 20 years ago? The authors assess subsequent studies in public administration and in social and behavioral sciences as well as evolving definitions of public service motivation. What have we learned about public service motivation during the last two decades? What gaps in our understanding and knowledge have appeared with respect to the three propositions offered by Perry and Wise? This essay charts new directions for public service motivation scholarship to help clarify current research questions, advance comparative research, and enhance our overall understanding of individuals’ public service motives.