Abstract

A recent thread in public administration research suggests that public service motivation (PSM) may have a dark side. However, empirical research supporting this assumption remains scarce. In this study, we build on and combine previous theoretical studies on the relationship between PSM and (im)morality. In particular, we test whether highly public-service motivated individuals vary their justification of an unethical behavior when the value advanced by this behavior safeguards or puts at risk their interpretation of the public interest. The research design combines two vignettes and various survey questions. Using a sample of more than 1500 citizens in Catalonia (Spain), we provide initial support for a dark side of PSM: justification of unethical behavior. The results for vignette A confirm our hypotheses, while the results for vignette B are insignificant. The discussion addresses the different findings, and provides directions for future research.

摘要

公共行政研究中最近的一条线索表明，公共服务动机 (PSM) 可能有阴暗面。然而，支持这一假设的实证研究仍然很少。在这项研究中，我们建立并结合了先前关于 PSM 与（不）道德之间关系的理论研究。特别是，我们测试当这种行为所提升的价值维护或危及他们对公共利益的解释时，具有高度公共服务动机的个人是否会改变他们对不道德行为的辩护。研究设计结合了两个小插图和各种调查问题。我们使用加泰罗尼亚（西班牙）的 1500 多名公民作为样本，为 PSM 的阴暗面提供初步支持：不道德行为的正当性。小插图 A 的结果证实了我们的假设，而小插图 B 的结果微不足道。讨论涉及不同的发现，并为未来的研究提供方向。