Public value starts and ends with the individual. Consequently, beside the evaluation of individual organizations, we also wanted to know from the respondents how important the topic is for them in general.
It is challenging to create a public who can articulate which values it wants to reach through public action.
Prof. Dr. Mark H. Moore, Hauser Institute at the Harvard Kennedy School
The Public Value Atlas Switzerland 2019 clearly shows that the common good is decreasing. Overall, a downward trend can be seen in the evaluations of companies’ and organizations’ contribution to the common good. In addition, the population is still very concerned about the common good in Switzerland. 73 out of 100 respondents are concerned that too little consideration is being given to the common good in Switzerland. As in the survey in 2017, concern remains very high (compared to 65% in 2015 and 68% in 2014). 86 out of 100 respondents believe that private companies have a responsibility to contribute to the common good.
From an employer perspective, it is noteworthy that 78 of 100 respondents are inclined to accept salary cuts in order to work for an organization that upholds a high level of public value (81% in 2017, 76% in 2015 and 71 % in 2014). The consumer view is added to this: Apparently, public value orientation also reaps benefits when it comes to shopping. 87 out of 100 respondents indicate that they prefer products or services that are beneficial for the public value, even if it means having to spend more on them (85% in 2017, 86% in 2015 and 74% in 2014) – 22 out of 100 respondents were willing to spend more than 10%.
#1 84 out of 100 respondents indicate that they have a clear concept of public value.
#2 73 out of 100 respondents are concerned that too little consideration is being given to the common good in Switzerland. Thus, as in the survey in 2017, concern remains very high.
#3 78 out of 100 respondents would rather work for organizations that uphold public value at a high level, even if it means earning less.
#4 95 out of 100 respondents believe they can contribute to public value through their own behavior.
#5 Women prefer to work in organizations that uphold a high level of public value, even if it means they earn less.
#6 87 out of 100 respondents indicate that they prefer products that benefit public value, even if it means having to spend more on them – 22 out of 100 respondents were even willing to pay more than 10%.
#7 86 out of 100 respondents believe that private companies have a high responsibility to contribute to the common good. Even greater responsibility to contribute to the common good is attributed to public administration (96%), each individual (95%), non-profit organizations (93%) and politics (91%).
#8 The interviewees believe that private companies should pay special attention to morality regarding public value, followed by the contribution to quality of life and good performance in the core business (fulfilment of tasks). The contribution of companies to social cohesion in Switzerland, on the other hand, is considered less important.
The continuous concern for public value emphasizes its lasting relevance and importance for the Swiss population. It is certainly the case that a large share of the population holds private companies as well as themselves responsible for providing remedy. In this context public value becomes a societal phenomenon as there is a necessity to reconcile organizational actions with the values and needs of the broader society.