Measuring Public Value: Scale Development and Validation

Recent discourse of public value is manifold, complex and often ambiguous. Empirical research of public value is scarce but highly important to test existent theoretical hypotheses and further sharpen the conceptualization.... [ view full abstract ]

Recent discourse of public value is manifold, complex and often ambiguous. Empirical research of public value is scarce but highly important to test existent theoretical hypotheses and further sharpen the conceptualization. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop an empirical public value measure. A 12-item Public Value Scale based on a psychological operationalization is presented. The scale enables to measure public value of organizations on the micro- as well as macro-level of the public. The scale was validated on the evaluation of several organizations from the public and private sector, using two different, highly representative samples. Moreover, we empirically tested the explanatory power and distinctiveness of public value. The provided scale enables future research to further test present public value hypotheses, using survey or experimental designs. Practitioners can use the scale to gain a deeper understanding of public value to improve initiatives and their communication.