000 02571cam a2200193 4500500
005 20250921003701.0
041 _afre
042 _adc
100 1 0 _aDahlweg, Anne
_eauthor
700 1 0 _a Guo, Yu-Wei
_eauthor
700 1 0 _a Liu, Helen K.
_eauthor
700 1 0 _a Vogel, Rick
_eauthor
245 0 0 _aCross-country differences in implicit citizenship and servantship theories: Contrasting evidence from Germany and Taiwan
260 _c2025.
500 _a19
520 _aThe perceptions that citizens and public servants hold about themselves and each other can significantly impact their attitudes and behaviors and, consequently, the legitimacy and effectiveness of public services. Previous scholarship has initiated the exploration of the socio-cognitive foundations of state–citizen relations; however, it remains conceptually fragmented and largely based on empirical evidence from Western administrative systems. Bridging scholarship in public administration and social cognition, this article presents an exploratory study of implicit citizenship and servantship theories (ICTs/ISTs) within two distinct administrative traditions: continental European and East Asian, using Germany and Taiwan as contrasting cases. The results of a survey conducted among citizens and public servants in both countries (n= 1 903) indicate that ICTs/ISTs, despite some similarities, differ in terms of content, sentiment, and coherence, reflecting their unique historical and institutional trajectories. We conclude with an agenda for future research that advances comparative scholarship on the socio-cognitive approach to state–citizen relations.Points for practitionersAssumptions about citizenship and public service are shaped by culture and education. Practitioners should be aware that expectations may differ depending on background.Unconscious beliefs about citizens and public servants influence interactions. Encourage regular reflection to identify and address these assumptions.Citizens may be seen more as consumers in Germany and as rights-bearers in Taiwan. Tailor engagement and communication to local understandings of citizenship.Stereotypes and emotions about public servants and citizens vary by country. Openly discussing these perceptions can prevent misunderstandings and improve cooperation.
786 0 _nInternational Review of Administrative Sciences | 91 | 3 | 2025-09-15 | p. 413-432 | 0303-965X
856 4 1 _uhttps://shs.cairn.info/journal-international-review-of-administrative-sciences-2025-3-page-413?lang=en&redirect-ssocas=7080
999 _c1506733
_d1506733