A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Public Service Motivation and Job Satisfaction.

Abstract

In recent years much research has been conducted on the relationship between Public Service Motivation (PSM) and various outcomes, including job satisfaction. This paper presents a meta-analysis aggregating the effects of PSM on job satisfaction. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis is used to assess the impact of numerous study characteristics and to identify potential issues of publication bias. The findings, based on 28 separate studies, show no evidence of publication bias and support the positive relationship between PSM and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the results support the importance of providing individuals the opportunity to serve the public within this relationship. Given the organisational benefits that can be derived from improved job satisfaction and the focus of extant PSM research on its implications for job satisfaction, the findings of this study are of interest to both academics and practitioners in the field of public administration.