Revisiting the Motivational Bases of Public Service: Twenty Years of Research and an Agenda for the Future

TLDR

Over the past two decades, research on public service motivation has expanded, revealing new insights and gaps relative to Perry and Wise’s original propositions. This essay charts new directions for public service motivation scholarship to clarify research questions, advance comparative research, and deepen understanding of individuals’ motives. The authors assess subsequent studies in public administration and social and behavioral sciences, along with evolving definitions of public service motivation.

Abstract

How has research regarding public service motivation evolved since James L. Perry and Lois Recascino Wise published their essay “The Motivational Bases of Public Service” 20 years ago? The authors assess subsequent studies in public administration and in social and behavioral sciences as well as evolving definitions of public service motivation. What have we learned about public service motivation during the last two decades? What gaps in our understanding and knowledge have appeared with respect to the three propositions offered by Perry and Wise? This essay charts new directions for public service motivation scholarship to help clarify current research questions, advance comparative research, and enhance our overall understanding of individuals’ public service motives.