Does citizen participation make public servants more satisfied with their jobs? It depends on whether they are Spectators or Participants

Islam, Kazi Maruful; Meyer‐Sahling, Jan‐Hinrik; Mikkelsen, Kim Sass; Rahman, Taiabur; Schuster, Christian

Abstract

Is citizen participation in policymaking and implementation desirable? Numerous studies have explored its effects on policy outcomes and citizen attitudes. We, instead, examine its effects on public servants. Citizen participation changes public sector job characteristics and thus potentially job attitudes. Looking at job satisfaction, we argue that citizen participation negatively affects public servants who observe, but do not participate in citizen participation initiatives in their institution's decisions (“Spectators”), yet not public servants who are “Participants.” “Participants” learn to appreciate the benefits of citizen participation while minimizing its cost. Survey data from public servants in one developing country, Bangladesh, provides empirical support.

Citation

Islam, K. M., Meyer‐Sahling, J., Mikkelsen, K. S., Rahman, T., & Schuster, C. (2023). Does citizen participation make public servants more satisfied with their jobs? It depends on whether they are Spectators or Participants. Public Administration and Development, 43(5), 381-392. https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.2031

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 23, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-12
• Deposit Date: Nov 7, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 27, 2023
• Journal: Public Administration and Development
• Print ISSN: 0271-2075
• Electronic ISSN: 1099-162X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 381-392
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.2031
• Keywords: Public Administration; Development
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/27076710
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pad.2031