Examining the dynamics of pro-social rule-breaking among grassroots public servants

Understanding contemporary organizations hinges on the comprehension of rules and rule behavior. This scholarship explores employees’ rule-breaking for pro-social reasons, challenging the belief that violations are only motivated by self-interest. Using two surveys among grassroots public servants in public welfare programs, the study examines how social, relational, and bureaucratic factors affect attitudes and behaviors toward pro-social rule-breaking (PSRB). Social support and exposure to coworkers’ rule-breaking increase PSRB attitudes and behaviors. Conversely, bureaucratic centralization and formalization, as well as disciplinary controls (perceived punishment and certainty of detection), reduce willingness to break rules for pro-social reasons. Findings underscore the importance of social, relational, and bureaucratic attributes in understanding PSRB among grassroots civil servants.

Naqib Ullah Khan, Peng Zhongyi, Wajid Alim, Heesup Han, Antonio A. za-Montes