The hierarchical structure of public value

A citizen-centric pyramid model and its validation

Bibliographic Data

ID17828153
AuthorsFangwen Zhang (0000-0003-0500-0440, Northwest Normal University), Ke Xu (0000-0003-3883-5268, Xi'an University of Finance and Economics), Yang Lei (0000-0002-3572-0345, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology), Shuzhen Wang (0000-0003-3869-2463, Northwest University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-32
Publication date2026-04-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Chinese Governance (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2381-2354 • E-ISSN: 2381-2346
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23812346.2026.2646083
OpenAlexW7154905516
LanguageEN
References cited65

Public value embodies citizens’ expectations and preferences for government, representing the optimal manifestation of people-centered governance. However, most research has primarily analyzed PV’s conceptualization and structure from a governmental perspective, paying insufficient attention to citizens’ perceived public value (PPV). To address this gap, this study constructs a citizen-centric ‘pyramid model’ of PPV. Drawing on existing domestic and international micro- and macro-level structural models of PV, the model is developed and rigorously validated using established psychological scale development techniques. All indicators meet model construction criteria, and the proposed three-tiered PPV model (comprising micro, meso, and macro levels) demonstrates excellent fit. This pyramid model provides a foundational framework for understanding PV structure from citizens’ perspectives, thereby advancing both PV theory and its practical application.

Community Development and Social Impact · Innovation and Socioeconomic Development · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

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