Citation

Foo, Meow Yee and Choo, Siew Ming and Lai, Siew Fong and Lim, Song Huat (2026) More than just a job: the motivational forces behind public sector employees’ performance. Issues and Perspectives in Business and Social Sciences, 6 (1). pp. 145-160. ISSN 2785-9266

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Abstract

The public sector relies on human capital as its most valuable resource, which directly affectsthe performance level of a government. Hence, employee motivation is crucial to ensure the efficient use of public resources to achieve policy objectives. This study examines the factors influencing public servants' motivation and performance using Self-Determination Theory, which encompasses bothintrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. Data were collected from 303 public servants and analyzedusing SmartPLSsoftware. The findings indicate that compensation, empowerment, and job satisfaction have a positive impact on motivation, whereasself-development and the work environment do not. Motivation is also linked to employee performance. These insights can help policymakers enhance motivation strategiesand improve efficiency, retention, and service quality while maintaining low operating costs. Thisstudy also contributes to Self-Determination Theory by offering practical implications for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and enhance motivation in the public sector. Strengthening these factors can improve public service outcomes and overall sector effectiveness.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Compensation empowerment, Job satisfaction, Self-development, Work environment, Motivation, Employees' performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD4801-8943 Labor. Work. Working class > HD5650-5660 Employee participation in management. Employee ownership. Industrial democracy. Works councils
Divisions:	Others
Depositing User:	Ms Suzilawati Abu Samah
Date Deposited:	08 Jul 2026 04:21
Last Modified:	08 Jul 2026 04:21
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/16228

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