---
title: "Public Service Motivation (Perry-Wise) — Definition"
description: "Public Service Motivation, defined by Perry and Wise, drives individuals to prioritize public interest over self-reward, crucial for GS4 exam candidates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/public-service-motivation"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Public Service Motivation is the predisposition to serve the public interest grounded in motives that transcend self-interest and material reward.
- What are the four dimensions of public service motivation in Perry's 1996 scale?
- How does public service motivation differ from altruism or intrinsic motivation?
- Why do scholars warn against performance-related pay for high-PSM employees?
- Is public service motivation a fixed trait or can it change?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2013 the Union Public Service Commission introduced General Studies Paper IV on ethics, integrity and aptitude, embedding Perry and Wise's public service motivation dimensions into the foundational values assessed for Indian civil service recruitment.

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