Re-Defining Public Service In An Era of Networked Governance: An Examination of the Influence of Public Service Motivation On Contractors In Homeland Security

TL;DRAbstract

Over the last several decades, the notion of public service motivation (PSM) has been established through a wealth of scholarly work as a key commonality amongst those who choose to serve the public sector, with a broad consensus that public servants have a special calling (Boyne 2002; Houston 2000; Perry 1996; Perry and Wise 1990; Staat 1988). However, the shift to a system of "governance" -- the expansion of government functions into many third party providers--is changing the way the public sector "looks" and how services are provided. Because of the tremendous involvement of the private and non-profit sector (even with respect to those inherently governmental functions), the motivations of contracted and third party employees, especially in terms of whether or not they believe they are serving a higher public good, become an important aspect of consideration. This study examines levels of public service motivation specifically in contractors and federal grant employees who work wit

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