Using Citizens' Leadership Behaviors to Enhance Worker Motivation: Reducing Perceived Social Loafing in a Coproductive Tax Service Program

This study examines the relationship between leadership behaviors and perceived social loafing in a coproductive tax-service environment. It proposes that coproductive taxpayers can be the source of directive and supportive leadership behaviors that reduce tax collectors' perceived social loafing. Based on survey data from a coproductive tax-service agency, the study finds that supportive (but not directive) leadership by taxpayers has a significant negative effect on tax collectors' perceived social loafing. Supportive leadership can be provided not only by hierarchical leaders but also by collaborative leaders outside the organization. These findings expand the knowledge base of public sector leadership theories and provide empirical evidence to support the importance of citizen coproduction.