The dark sides of public service motivation: A multi-level theoretical framework

C. Schott, Adrian Ritz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Over the past decade, research on public service motivation (PSM) has made substantial progress in terms of explaining the desired work outcomes of the concept such as individual performance and satisfaction. In light of Perry and Wise’s warning, already voiced in 1990, that high levels of PSM may produce negative outcomes, we find it all the more surprising that there is only a small albeit growing body of research on its potential “dark sides.” We address this void by proposing a theoretical framework explicating the mechanisms underlying the relationships between PSM and its potential dark sides at individual and organizational levels of analysis. We also offer a number of propositions referring to different parts of our conceptual framework that provide directions for future research and should lead to a more complete understanding of PSM.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages14
JournalPerspectives on Public Management and Governance
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Oct 2017
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The dark sides of public service motivation: A multi-level theoretical framework'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this