Essays on intrinsic motivation, identity and incentives in public organizations. A behavioral economics perspective

Abstract

This thesis investigates optimal incentive schemes within public organisations where it is plausible to assume that providers are intrinsically motivated or have pro-social identity. There are five chapters. The first chapter is an introduction. The second chapter provides a rich theoretical framework to investigate optimal incentive schemes within public organisations. The focus is on identty formation and how this can be influenced by the employer through a process of socialization. The third chapter tailors the theoretical model specifically at health care organisations. The fourth chapter is empirical and surveys workers within hospitals using qualitative research methods. The fifth chapter shows some general conclusions.