Multiple Loyalties and Commitments at Work: Studies within a Changing Public Sector

Recent years have seen varying workplace trends, changes in approaches to work, from both employers and employees, changes in the nature of work and types of employment; and a particular phenomenon that has altered is workplace loyalty and commitment.

This topic is examined by offering insights on the macro (context), meso (organizational) levels and micro level (individuals) factors that drive public employees to engage differently within the public sector. There are unique factors of the public sector that are examined here in detail related to workplace loyalty and commitment. The chapters provide a closer look to the different macro-areas/dimensions, contexts, or institutional factors affecting employee loyalties in the public sector. Specifically, the following lenses will be used: institutional; public policy domain; public professions; and organization type.

The authors conclude with a reflection on the future of employee loyalty at work. This in a context of technological evolutions (AI), gig work, and agile organizational structures. It offers key implications for theory, practice, and policy-making accounting for public employees' multiple loyalties.

Armand Brice Kouadio is Professor of HR management in the Business Management department of the University of applied science of Western Switzerland (HES-SO). He holds a PHD in Public administration from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). Armand’s research interests include public employee workplace commitment, personnel management and policies, and strategic HRM.

David Giauque is a Full Professor of Human Resource Management and Public Management at the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP), University of Lausanne. He is a political scientist by training and obtained a PhD in public administration (2003) from the IDHEAP (University of Lausanne). His research interests focus on HRM and management issues within public administrations.