An analysis of differences in work motivation between public and private sector organizations
Buelens, Marc Van den Broeck, Herman
Buelens, Marc
Van den Broeck, Herman
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2007
Journal
PAR - Public Administration Review
Book
Publication Volume
67
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin page
65
Publication End page
74
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
This study contributes to our understanding of the differences in work motivation between the public and private sectors. Data from a survey of 3,314 private sector and 409 public sector employees in Belgium strongly confirm previous research showing that public sector employees are less extrinsically motivated. Differences in hierarchical level are more important determinants of work motivation than sectoral differences. In addition, most observed differences can be wholly or partially explained by differences in job content, not by the sector itself. Evidence is presented to show that motivational differences can be explained by a positive choice of workâlife balance.
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Keywords
People Management & Leadership