The importance of informal professional networks in developing a proactive organizational culture: a public value perspective

Abstract

Public value theory was used by the authors to investigate informal professional networks, perceived discretionary power, and the organizational culture that forms in physical asset management organizations. The results, from a structural equation model, indicated that informal professional networks are positively associated with higher discretionary power and a proactive asset maintenance organizational culture. In the absence of public managers promoting public value, professionals use their informal networks as a source of power to be proactive and contribute to asset reliability and public safety (public value).

Keywords:

• Discretionary power
• informal professional networks
• physical asset management
• proactive organizational culture
• public value theory

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yvonne Brunetto

Yvonne Brunetto is Professor of Management, Southern Cross Business School, Australia.

Matthew Xerri

Matthew Xerri is a Lecturer in the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.

Ben Farr-Wharton

Ben Farr-Wharton is a Lecturer in the Management Discipline Group, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Silvia Nelson

Silvia Nelson is a Lecturer in the School of Business and Tourism, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia.