An Exploratory Study of Public Service Motivation and the Institutional–Occupational Model of the Military

2013/06/11 by Jami K. Taylor, Richard M. Clerkin, Katherine M. Ngaruiya +1 · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Business, Management and Accounting · #Public Policy and Administration Research #Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior #Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

paper · doi:10.1177/0095327x13489119

openalex publication_date 2013/06/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/16

Abstract

This article empirically connects Moskos’ Institutional–Occupational model to the large body of cross-nationally validated research on public service motivation (PSM). We find that in our sample, the PSM construct is positively correlated with institutional motivations that reflect Moskos’ insights. We also find evidence that the four dimensions of PSM (Attraction to Public Participation, Commitment to Public Values, Self-sacrifice, and Compassion) may offer a more nuanced way to assess institutional motivations. Our research suggests that those interested in military recruitment/retention/performance and public administration scholars may have much to learn from each other. We call for further research in this area.

Citations

• From Institution to Occupation
• Revisiting the Motivational Bases of Public Service: Twenty Years of Research and an Agenda for the Future
• Galloping Elephants: Developing Elements of a Theory of Effective Government Organizations
• Public Service Motivation and Job Performance
• A New Paradigm for Military Policy: Socioeconomics
• The Motivational Bases of Public Service

Cited by

• What Factors Influenced Turkish Military Officers’ and NCOs’ Motivation to Serve Prior to the July 2016 Coup Attempt?
• Charles Moskos [wikipedia]