Public service motivation and not-in-my-backyard: The case of high-level radioactive waste disposal sites in Japan

Abstract

This study investigated the association between public service motivation (PSM) and the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) reaction by the public that often blocks important projects. A conjoint experiment was conducted using the scenario of hypothetical plans for the construction of a high-level radioactive waste disposal site, one of the most noxious NIMBY facilities. The results showed that overall PSM (the full scale) had no association with the public’s willingness to accept such facilities. Still, we observed significant positive correlations for the PSM dimensions of attraction to public service and self-sacrifice, and a significant negative correlation with the PSM dimension of compassion. As expected, some dimensions of PSM strengthened (moderated) the positive effect of policy attributes on acceptance. Contrary to our prediction that PSM attenuates the relationship between distance and acceptance, overall PSM, commitment to public values, and compassion amplified the relationship. Together, these findings suggest the need to promote research considering the multifaceted nature of PSM in NIMBY problems.