Work

Bureaucrats in Campaigns: Elections Increase Dysfunctional Behaviors Among Civil Servants

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Elections are essential for democracy, but the turbulence and uncertainty they bring can disrupt the functioning of public organizations. This study investigates how elections may trigger dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics and behaviors among civil servants. We specifically examine the relationship between elections and both increased interpersonal conflicts within public organizations and heightened counterproductive behaviors among civil servants. Using a longitudinal pretest–posttest design and panel regression analysis, we compare behavioral variables of 283 career civil servants during Brazil's polarized election of 2022 to those of 2023 (post‐election). The findings indicate that elections, as situations of political instability, are associated with increased dysfunctional behaviors among civil servants, particularly in public organizations with higher susceptibility to politicization.

Source: Public Administration Review

DOI: 10.1111/puar.70046

Authors: Gustavo M. Tavares, Joana Story, Gabriela Lotta

Institutions: Insper, Fundação Getulio Vargas

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,250