Public Service Motivation and Performance Behavior in Saudi Public Sector: The Role of Subjective Fits

One of the main propositions of Public Service Motivation (PSM) theory is its positive impact on employee performance. Recent studies, however, demonstrated that this relationship is more complex and nuanced and may be mediated by additional factors. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the mediating role of subjective fits in the PSM-performance relationship where performance is conceptualized as in-role and extra-role behaviors. Data collected from a survey of 358 public service employees from The General Directorate of Health Affairs in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia were analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) testing for both direct and indirect relationships. The results demonstrated that PSM was directly associated with both in-role and extra-role behaviors. Further, perceived needs-supplies (N-S) fit partially mediated these relationships, while person-organization (P-O) fit mediated the relationship between PSM and in-role behaviors. In general, the study confirmed the complex nature of PSM-performance relationship and clarified the role of certain mediators. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.