Developing a framework for assessing the influence of public service motivation on core work evaluation and counterproductive work behaviour

Abstract

The outcomes of low levels of public service motivation are low job satisfaction, organisational commitment, engagement and high levels of counterproductive work behaviour. This study’s primary aim was to develop a framework to assess the influence of public service motivation on core work evaluation (job satisfaction, organisational commitment, work engagement) and counterproductive work behaviour among employees at 11 North West provincial government departments The study was conducted within the quantitative research paradigm using a cross-sectional correlational survey design. The population included 61 954 public-service employees. The study used a stratified random sampling method consisting of four subgroups: senior management, middle management, junior management, and elementary employees. The results revealed a positive correlation between PSM and JS, while OC positively correlated with PSM. Work engagement, PSM, OC and JS are positively related, while CWB negatively affects PSM, JS and WE. The measuring instruments were reliable and valid in the North-West provincial government departments.This study provides a theoretical and conceptual framework that public-sector managers can use to assess the impact of public service motivation on core work evaluation and counterproductive work behaviour.