W. Dominika Wranik (Dalhousie University)
The goal of our study is to assess whether sector careers are attractive due to the sector’s reputation and values or due to individuals motivation to serve the public? Previous research of comparative attraction to public, private, and non-for-profit employment is limited and has neglected Canada’s unique contextual circumstances. To get a clearer picture of students’ job sector preferences, we surveyed undergraduates across Nova Scotia’s universities, most of whom were studying management and administration. Using data from about 200 respondents, we measured and analyzed the impact of Public Service Motivation, work values, workplace attributes, and reputation on students’ job sector attraction. We hypothesized that higher Public Service Motivation, more favourable (perceived) reputation of public and non-profit sector organizations, and a suite of eleven job characteristics, together lead to a stronger preference and greater interest in pursuing eventual employment in the public and non-profit sectors. Moreover, we theorize that these relationships are moderated by greater value congruence i.e. closer alignment between normative values held by particular students and the values espoused by the public, non-profit, or private sectors respectively. We first use CFA to confirm the validity of our measured variables. We then test our hypotheses by estimating a series of regressions and structural models. Our paper adds new insights concerning students’ attraction to the public and non-profit sectors, and how it relates to public service motivation, students’ normative values, the appeal of certain job characteristics, and perceived reputation of the respective sector.