Civil Service Systems and Public Service Motivation

Abstract

The study of civil service systems has traditionally emphasized issues of examinations, compensation, fairness and equity as central features. Questions about the market competitiveness and internal fairness of pay systems, the validity of selection devices, and the adequacy of career systems remain important concerns for the management of civil service systems. These issues are increasingly joined by issues outside the normal range of questions associated with pecuniary and instrumental rewards as scholars have given more attention to public service and prosocial motivations (Perry and Hondeghem, 2008; Perry and Wise, 1990).