Public service motivation and performance: a critical perspective

Purpose – A growing body of literature points to the importance of public service motivation (PSM) for the performance of public organizations. The purpose of this paper is to assess the method predominantly used for studying this linkage by comparing the findings it yields without and with a correction suggested by Brewer (2006), which removes the common-method bias arising from employee-specific response tendencies. Design/methodology/approach – First, the authors conduct a systematic review of published empirical research on the effects of PSM on performance and show that all studies found have been conducted at the individual level. Performance indicators in all but three studies were obtained by surveying the same employees who were also asked about their PSM. Second, the authors conduct an empirical analysis. Using survey data from 240 organizational units within the Swiss federal government, the paper compares results from an individual-level analysis (comparable to existing research) to two analyses where the data are aggregated to the organizational level, one without and one with the correction for common-method bias suggested by Brewer (2006). Findings – Looking at the Attraction to Policy-Making dimension of PSM, there is an interesting contrast: While this variable is positively correlated with performance in both the individual-level analysis and the aggregated data analysis without the correction for common-method bias, it is not statistically associated with performance in the aggregated data analysis with the correction. Originality/value – The analysis is the first to assess the robustness of the performance-PSM linkage to a correction for common-method bias. The findings place the validity of at least one part of the individual-level linkage between PSM and performance into question.

The differentiated effects of CSR actions in the service industry

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to attempt to explain why the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives may be different and/or more important in service firms compared to manufacturing firms. CSR is becoming a common strategy, hence its extensive research. Central to it is the analysis of the effect of CSR on a firm’s performance, whose outcome depends on firm-specific and industry-related factors. Design/methodology/approach – The event study methodology is applied to all the 248 companies that have ever traded on the Spanish Stock Market between 1990 and 2007. A regression analysis examines potential different effects of CSR on service and goods firms. Findings – The results show that CSR activities have a positive impact on firm performance that is higher for service firms than for manufacturing firms. Actions related to the environment, responsible labor relationships and good corporate governance are especially important in the service context. Research limitations/implications – This research is focused on shareholders’ performance, but it does not consider other stakeholders, such as real consumer behavior or employees’ commitment and productivity. Practical implications – Service firms are likely to gain from focusing on some CSR activities (environment, employees and good corporate governance) and should use their responsible behavior as a valuable tool for public relations and differentiation in the market. Originality/value – This article is the first attempt to empirically test and explain why the relationship between CSR and firm performance may be different (more positive) for service vs manufacturing firms.

Fiberglass layup and sprayup : good practices for employees.

Mode of access: Internet.

Agreement 2000 between U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and National Immigration and Naturalization Service Council.

"M-203 N."

Preliminary job descriptions for the domestic & personal service industry.

"Published by the Minnesota State Department of Education and the Division of Standards and Research of the United States Employment Service as a report on official projects 5196 ... 5201, [4155 and 4184] conducted under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration."

Survey of NIH accommodations for handicapped employees /

"August 1987."

Standards of ethical conduct for employees of the executive branch : final regulation issued by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, codified in 5 C.F.R. part 2635 (1/1/02 edition), as amended at 67 FR 61761-61762 (Oct. 2, 2002).

Shipping list no.: 2003-0103-P

Extension of coverage under state unemployment insurance laws : employees of state and local governments.

Cover title.

Federal blue-collar employees : a workforce in transition : a report to the President and the Congress of the United States /

Mode of access: Internet.

Spray painting : good practices for employees : your health and safety are in your hands.

Mode of access: Internet.

Training for household service occupations in the American home ...

Mimeographed.

Vogue's manual of smart service and table setting.

Lettered on cover: Prepared by the editors of Vogue.

Federal employee health benefits network program [microform] : hearing before the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, House of Representatives, Ninety-sixth Congress, second session, June 17, 1980.

Reuse of record except for individual research requires license from Congressional Information Service, Inc.

Dental health care [microform] : hearing before the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employee Benefits of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service, House of Representatives, Ninety-sixth Congress, second session, on H.R. 6077 ... June 26, 1980.

Reuse of record except for individual research requires license from Congressional Information Service, Inc.

Job sharing for federal employees.

Mode of access: Internet.