https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3673-2855
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Abstract
Since research on career trajectories in the public sector is rare, little is known about who continues a public-sector career and is promoted to higher-level positions. Building on social exchange theory, this study examines whether civic duty in t1 prevents public servants from leaving and is reciprocated in terms of promotions, how this relationship is mediated by career commitment, and how promotions impact career commitment in t2. We gathered responses from 1,490 members of the Federal Armed Forces Germany in a two-wave survey and matched them with objective data on turnover and promotions. The results show that civic duty has no direct effect on turnover and only slightly increases the likelihood of promotions. This may explain why promotions have no effect on career commitment in t2. We draw conclusions regarding retention and career management and discuss the implications in light of the criticism of career-based systems in the public service.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Fabian Hattke
Dr. Fabian Hattke ([email protected]) is Interim Professor for Organization and Leadership at Universität Hamburg, Germany. He investigates public governance and leadership, bureaucratic rules and regulations, as well as public personnel management from a behavioral perspective.
Judith Hattke
Dr. Judith Hattke is Research Associate at the Institute of Personnel Management at Helmut-Schmidt-University, Germany. Her research interests are human resource management, public service motivation, neuromarketing, and consumer neuroscience.
Fabian Homberg
Dr. Fabian Homberg is Associate Professor of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior at LUISS University, Department of Business and Management. His current research interests are public service motivation and incentives in private and public sector organizations.
Rick Vogel
Dr. Rick Vogel is Full Professor of Public Management at Universität Hamburg, Germany. His current research interests are public sector leadership, mixed governance, and institutional change in the public sector.