Self-determination theory and turnover intention: testing the mediating effect of public service motivation

Faisal S. Cheema, Safyan Tahir Verka and Mansoor Azam

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, 2026, vol. 48, issue 2, 238-262

Abstract: Retaining civil servants is crucial for ensuring good governance and effective service delivery. Frequent turnover affects stability, reliability, and continuity of policies and increases costs for organisations. Drawing insights from self-determination theory, this study examines the impact of the fulfilment of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness on turnover intention and how public service motivation mediates this association among civil servants in Pakistan. By collecting original survey data (N = 205), we focus on Pakistan’s elite Central Superior Service officers due to their critical role in policy management. The findings suggest that satisfying basic psychological needs for autonomy and relatedness reduces turnover intention. However, we do not find significant evidence on the mediating role of public service motivation between basic psychological needs and turnover intention. Our study contributes to the knowledge of civil service by providing empirical evidence on the intersections of self-determination theory, public service motivation, and turnover intention.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/23276665.2025.2610237

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