Unveiling the Public Service Identity: Rethinking Public Service Motivation Through Social Identity

Abstract

Abstract Over the past three decades, a substantial body of research has examined the concept of public service motivation (PSM). While this research has been coherent and incremental, there remains a need to refine its conceptualization. Built on previous research, this article addresses this gap by proposing a “new” conceptualization of PSM grounded in social identity theory (SIT). We argue PSM should be viewed as a public service identity (PSI) comprising of two key social identity components: the degree of identification and salience of this PSI. Drawing on SIT, self-determination theory, and social categorization theory, we develop a framework that explains how these identity-based factors shape the expression of PSI. Specifically, we propose that the strength of an individual’s identification with the public service role, as well as the situational salience of this identity, influence motivational drivers and behavioral outcomes. The article concludes by outlining concrete research directions and methodological approaches to empirically test and further develop this social identity-based model of PSI. This refined conceptualization has important implications for advancing theory and research, as well as informing public sector recruitment, training, and management practices.

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