Jiatong Hou

School of Economics and Management, Beihua University

Abstract：

Taking responsibility and initiative is a key factor affecting the work efficiency and service level of grassroots civil servants,as well as enhancing the effectiveness of grassroots governance.The paper selects Jilin Province as the research setting and constructs an analytical framework for the influencing factors of grassroots civil servants' responsibility and initiative based on the SOR theory.Specifically,it uses survey data from 301 grassroots civil servants in Jilin Province as the case sample and employs the fsQCA method to identify the configuration paths that lead to high levels of responsibility and initiative among grassroots civil servants.The study finds that there are no necessary conditions that influence high levels of responsibility and initiative among grassroots civil servants, but there are three configurations that generate high levels of responsibility and initiative:atmosphere-motivation linkage, organization-driven, and self- empowerment.To inspire grassroots cadres to demonstrate high levels of responsibility and initiative,it is essential to focus simultaneously on four aspects: strengthening and refining positive incentive mechanisms,actively fostering an error management atmosphere, cultivating public service motivation among cadres,and ensuring that these elements work in synergy.The assumption of responsibility and initiative by grassroots cadres is the result of a complex interplay of factors, which dynamically evolves with adjustments in national policies,changes in the organizational environment, and fluctuations in individual mindsets.Grassroots governments should fully recognize the complexity and dynamism of this behavior, dynamically adapt to the real-world context, and continuously optimize their approaches.

Key Words：

grassroots civil servants; taking responsibility and initiative; SOR theory