P09 SIG Public Service Motivation

Panel Chairs

Corresponding and Review-group chair:

• Lorenza Micacchi, University of Bern, Switzerland. lorenza.micacchi@unibe.ch

Co-Chairs:

• Gene A. Brewer, The University of Georgia, United States. 
• Adrian Ritz, University of Bern, Switzerland. 
• Carina Schott, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. 
• Wouter Vandenabeele, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. 

Description

Public Service Motivation (PSM) refers to an individual’s desire to contribute to society, promote the public interest, and improve the well-being of others. In an era increasingly characterized by polycrises, wicked problems, and persistent uncertainty, fostering PSM among individuals working in strategic organizations, particularly within the public sector, is more important than ever.

Specifically, PSM plays a pivotal role in strengthening institutional capacity, fostering resilience, enabling collaboration across organizational and sectoral boundaries, and sustaining citizens' trust in public institutions. Moreover, a strong PSM represents a critical foundation for safeguarding democratic values and accountability.

We invite both theoretical and empirical papers addressing questions such as (but not limited to):

• How can PSM strengthen democratic accountability and institutional legitimacy in times of political upheaval and uncertainty?
• How does PSM, traditionally regarded as a core component of public servants' professional identity, evolve under conditions of crisis, and organizational change/disruption?
• How does PSM shape stakeholders' attitudes toward digital transformation and artificial intelligence across different levels of government and sectors?
• How can PSM foster public trust, interorganizational collaboration, and cross-sector coordination to address wicked problems and grand societal challenges?
• In turbulent environments, how does PSM contribute to individual and organizational performance while enhancing resilience?

We welcome contributions drawing on theoretical perspectives from Public Management, Psychology, Political Science, and related disciplines. Both qualitative and quantitative empirical studies, as well as conceptual and theoretical papers, are encouraged. We particularly welcome contributions that advance new theoretical perspectives on public service motivation, its antecedents and consequences, and its evolving relationship with identities, organizational behavior, and governance.

Three types of proposals

Within the framework of the SIG public service motivation, we invite proposals for two types of papers.

First, regular research papers are invited. Papers could focus on many related issues within these topics and the paper will be presented through a regular online presentation and be subject to discussion afterwards.

A second type of papers concerns research proposals. Papers in this strand should at least entail a research question, a theoretical framework and an elaborate research plan.

Third, we invite scholar to submit an idea for a round-table discussion on a specific topic within the field of public service motivation with suggestions for at least three invited discussants and one round-table host