5 - Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Summary

The chapter examines attributes of public work environments that lead employees to develop ties to an organization's values. Empirical research indicates a supportive work environment is critical to sustaining public service motivation. Institutional arrangements promote employees’ basic psychological needs and create conditions for common pool resources. The chapter discusses two strategies for reinforcing supportive work environments: creating learning and growth opportunities and balancing job security and performance. Possibly the biggest key to promoting personal growth is creating opportunities for employee growth and learning throughout a career. Leadership development programs could also be offered to employees up and down the hierarchy. Finally, organizations should pay attention to subjective career success, ensuring that employees feel they are fulfilling their purpose in life. The chapter then examines strategies for developing organizational norms that balance job security with performance, including balancing performance and property rights, improving performance management systems and performance appraisals, and utilizing performance-based reductions in force.