Public Service Motivation (PSM)

Public Service Motivation (PSM) refers to the intrinsic desire of individuals to serve the public interest and contribute positively to society through their work. It motivates people to pursue careers in government or nonprofit sectors, driven by values such as social responsibility, a sense of duty, and the desire to make a difference. PSM influences how committed and engaged public servants are, often leading to higher job satisfaction and ethical behavior. Essentially, it's the personal motivation to work not just for a paycheck, but to promote the common good.