Winnowing Out High-psm Candidates: The Adverse Selection Effect of Competitive Public Service Exams
Journal
International Public Management Journal
Journal Volume
23
Journal Issue
4
Pages
443-464
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
© 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. ABSTRACT: Existing literature based in Western society generally supports that people who have high public service motivation (PSM) prefer a public service career, and public organizations are likely to recruit high-PSM individuals. This proposition may not hold in cultures where the public service exam is notoriously competitive. The present study, based in Taiwan, provides evidence showing that a competitive, standardized public service exam, along with its unique social symbolism, can deter high-PSM people from entering the public sector. We then discuss the theoretical and practical implications in the conclusion.
Type
journal article