Development of the Japanese version of the Public Service Motivation Scale: reliability and validity

Abstract

Objectives: Since the 1990s, overseas research on public service motivation (PSM), a motivation unique to public employees, has been ongoing. However, only recently has empirical studies on PSM in Japan begun, it has been suggested that the PSM scales developed overseas cannot be applied directly to Japan. This study aimed to examine the constructs of PSM in Japan, develop a scale to measure PSM, and verify its reliability and validity. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 civil servants holding administrative positions in Japan, and a draft of the PSM scale was developed. Subsequently, an online survey of 402 civil servants in their 20s to 60s (395 valid responses) was conducted, and the factor structure of the PSM scale was confirmed using exploratory factor analysis. In addition, the reliability was assessed by calculating the alpha coefficient, and the validity was verified through correlation analysis with related concepts. Results: The outcomes of the exploratory factor analysis classified PSM into six factors: “social impact orientation,” “social justice orientation,” “community orientation,” “future and evolution orientation,” “authority orientation,” and “helping the weak orientation,” with sufficient alpha coefficients. Regarding validity, significant positive associations between PSM and work engagement, performance, work motivation, and job satisfaction were confirmed. Conclusion: The Japanese version of the PSM scale developed in this study was confirmed to exhibit a satisfactory level of reliability and validity and may be used to measure PSM among Japanese public employees.