Abstract

We empirically examine the moral theory of Public Service Motivation (PSM) with data from a large online Dutch household panel. Inspired by Moral Foundation Theory, we develop and test several hypotheses on the role of moral foundations in shaping PSM, as well as the behavioral implications regarding participation in social organizations. The individualizing foundations of Care and Fairness (jointly referred to as INDV) are found to positively relate to all four dimensions of PSM—Compassion (COM), Self-Sacrifice (SS), Attraction to Public Service (APS), and Commitment to Public Values (CPV). Moreover, PSM mediates the positive relationship between INDV and participation in humanitarian and environmental organizations. Sanctity is positively correlated with SS and APS, mediating the often-observed relationship between PSM and religious activities. Loyalty is significantly and positively associated with SS, with the correlations with other PSM dimensions being gender-specific. Authority is significantly and negatively related to COM, SS, and APS. Overall, we provide empirical evidence on the influential role of moral foundations in engendering PSM and its behavioral consequences.

摘要

我们使用来自大型在线荷兰家庭小组的数据，对公共服务动机 (PSM) 的道德理论进行了实证检验。受道德基础理论的启发，我们开发并检验了关于道德基础在塑造 PSM 中的作用以及参与社会组织的行为影响的几个假设。发现关怀和公平（统称为 INDV）的个性化基础与 PSM 的所有四个维度——同情心 (COM)、自我牺牲 (SS)、公共服务吸引力 (APS) 和对公众的承诺呈正相关价值（CPV）。此外，PSM 调节 INDV 与参与人道主义和环境组织之间的积极关系。神圣与 SS 和 APS 呈正相关，调解了 PSM 与宗教活动之间经常观察到的关系。忠诚度与 SS 显着正相关，与其他 PSM 维度的相关性是针对特定性别的。权限与 COM、SS 和 APS 显着负相关。总体而言，我们提供了关于道德基础在产生 PSM 及其行为后果中的影响作用的经验证据。