Exploring the interrelationship between public service motivation and corruption theories
| Date | 01 August 2016 |
| Pages | 181-186 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/EBHRM-12-2015-0047 |
| Published date | 01 August 2016 |
| Author | Young Jong Kim,Eun Sil Kim |
| Subject Matter | HR & organizational behaviour,Global HRM |
Exploring the interrelationship
between public
service motivation and
corruption theories
Young Jong Kim
Department of Public Administration,
Soongsil University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and
Eun Sil Kim
Department of Law, Judicial Research and Training Institute,
Ilsan, Republic of Korea
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interrelationship between public service
motivation (PSM) and corruption theory. This paper further explores the possibility of integrating two
theories in order to prevent corruption.
Design/methodology/approach –Existing theories on PSM and corruption were briefly reviewed
in finding the connection between the two theories. The discussions primarily focus on finding the
theoretical and empirical interrelationship between PSM theories and corruption theories.
Findings –This paper suggests applying PSM theories in preventing corruption by adding ethical
dimension of PSM to corruption theories. In other words, the PSM constructs can be incorporated in
developing an anti-corruption strategy. In the context of public administration, the authors find the
importance of PSM theory in developing an effective anti-corruption strategy.
Practical implications –Public officials should be encouraged to possess strong ethical standards
in public service; highly motivated candidates for public service positions should be sought in order to
create a clean and reliable government; and PSM educational programs in the early stages of schooling
should be adopted to stimulate ethics for young children.
Originality/value –This study adds contributions to the understanding of theoretical relationship
between PSM and corruption theory. The authors suggest that integrating PSM and corruption theory
can be beneficial in building new paradigms to prevent corruption in a country such as Korea.
Keywords Anti-corruption strategy, Clean government, Corruption theory, Curbing corruption,
PSM education, PSM theory
Paper type Viewpoint
1. Critical issue: public service motivation (PSM) and curbing corruption
The need to develop ways to curb corruption has been a critical issue in public
administrationfor some time. The problem of corruption is a perplexingone that refers to
bureaucrats’deviant behavior that results from violation of socio-cultural norms or
citizens’expectation (Kim, 2003, p. 408). The struggle to curb corruption lies in the fact
that the extent of corruption in a society is often difficult to identify and pinpoint.
However, the damagescaused by corruption can be devastating to a country. It can be a
Evidence-based HRM: a Global
Forum for Empirical Scholarship
Vol. 4 No. 2, 2016
pp. 181-186
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
2049-3983
DOI 10.1108/EBHRM-12-2015-0047
Received 23 December 2015
Revised11February2016
2 March 2016
Accepted 10 March 2016
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2049-3983.htm
This is a revised version of a paper presented at the International Workshop (Friedrichshafen,
Germany) held by the Zeppelin University, and sponsored by Behavioral Foundations of Public
Service Motivation, October 9-10, 2014. The authors are grateful for helpful comments on an
earlier draft of the manuscript and extend their appreciation to Dr Rick Vogel and Dr Fabian
Homberg, and two anonymous referees.
181
PSM and
corruption
theories
To continue reading
Request your trial