Institutional dimensions of discretion and intrinsic motivation among street-level bureaucrats in social welfare: organizational position and communication satisfaction as moderators

Huiju Lee and Nara Park

International Review of Public Administration, 2025, vol. 30, issue 4, 301-325

Abstract: This study draws on the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to examine the impact of institutional dimensions of discretion on the intrinsic motivation of street-level bureaucrats in the social welfare sector. Findings indicate that increased institutional discretion enhances intrinsic motivation. However, this effect varies depending on bureaucratic position, with managerial-level employees exhibiting a stronger positive relationship between discretion and intrinsic motivation than frontline staff. Furthermore, organizational communication satisfaction moderates this relationship, with higher communication satisfaction mitigating the variability in intrinsic motivation linked to discretion. The study results highlight the need for management strategies that enhance communication structures and adapt discretion levels to different organizational roles to sustain motivation and improve public service performance.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/12294659.2025.2493382

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