Understanding Values in Public Services: The Values of Administrators in Public Organizations

The present study is conducted to represent a model for measuring the values of public administrators in Mazandaran province's executive agencies. Method of the research, in terms of purpose, is a applied-developmental method. In this study, statistical population consists of the employees of Mazandaran executive agencies. On the basis of Cochran's formula, 248 employees are selected as a sample. Study is conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the model's dimensions and components recognized by means of literature review and interview with experts through purposive sampling method. Eventually, on the basis of experts' opinions, 9 dimensions and 27 items extracted to design the model. In the second stage, the validated factor analysis and the questionnaire were used to validate the recognized components. Data was analyzed by Structural Equations Model and descriptive statistics techniques. Research results, based on structural equations, showed that all items as constructs are validated in the values of public administrators; i.e. the value of Average Value Extracted (AVE) for all items were more than 0.50. Also, the final model is supported by fit indices (RMSEA=0.071; RMR=0.022; NFI=0.97, and GFI=0.96). The average level of the values of public administrators and its indicators (with the exception of Sacrifice value) in the statistical sample was more than the considered average. The social values of public administrators had a significant influence on the personal values of public administrators, and the existence of a causal relationship among them is supported.