A replication of “unconscious bias in citizens' evaluations of public sector performance”

Abstract

In recent years, the phenomenon of anti‐public sector bias (APSB) has garnered significant attention among public administration scholars. It is of especial interest given its possible effects on how citizens evaluate public sector performance. Despite the prominence of APSB in academic discourse, conclusive evidence requires further empirical testing. Our study addresses this gap by conducting a replication of Marvel (2016) using a different study population (citizens from China, N = 1410). The results reaffirm the negative influence of APSB on citizens' assessments of public sector performance. Notably, our research indicates the potential for altering citizens' APSB in the context of a pro‐public sector culture. This study contributes to public administration research and the discourse on APSB by confirming the effects presented by Marvel (2016) and suggesting strategies for mitigating the negative effects of APSB.