EXPLORING POSSIBLE ANTECEDENTS OF PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION IN MALAYSIAN PRIVATE ORGANIZATION

Abstract

Public Service Motivation refers to "the individual predisposition to respond to motives primarily or uniquely found in public institutions" and is characterized by a commitment to serving the greater societal good. Traditionally viewed as an intrinsic motivation specific to the public sector, recent research suggests that Public Service Motivation can also emerge in private organizations, highlighting its relevance across diverse institutional contexts. This conceptual paper investigates how Public Service Motivation can be fostered within Malaysian private organizations by examining three key antecedents: Religiosity, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Organizational Ethical Climate. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, this paper analyzes how these factors influence attitudes and subjective norms, which collectively drive public service-oriented intentions and behaviors. By integrating these elements, the study offers a theoretical lens to understand the mechanisms through which private organizations can cultivate PSM, thus contributing to the broader discourse on motivation and ethical behavior across sectors.