Expanding Perceived Capacity of Public Sector Workers: Experimental Evidence on the Impact of a Counter‐Stereotypical Narrative on Public Perceptions of Correctional Officers

ABSTRACT Understanding variation in perceptions of different types of street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) is crucial, as is improving perceptions of the capacity of government to better serve its community in an ethical and authentic manner. In this U.S.‐based survey experiment ( n = 1642), participants who were randomly assigned to be initially presented with a counter‐stereotypical narrative of a correctional officer (CO) – a limitedly studied SLB – perceived COs as significantly more dedicated, compassionate and skilled than those who were presented this narrative after survey outcomes, with no impacts on perceptions of other public sector workers. Additionally, there was strong support for the claim that people, with access to the right type of training and education, can do most types of work. Collectively, this study may help guide future research to understand the viability of myriad changes to the way the United States handles justice, especially in relation to alternative models that rely on greater presence of public sector health and wellness practitioners.