From Idealism to Realism: Examining the Negative Outcomes of Public Service Motivation through a Systematic Literature Review

Public service motivation (PSM) research has predominantly focused on the positive aspects of PSM, but there is a growing recognition of its potential negative implications. However, a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of empirical studies on the adverse consequences of PSM is lacking. This systematic review aims to bridge this research gap by adhering to the reporting guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, and reviewing 32 relevant articles, each addressing the study's specific objectives. PSM's influence on negative outcomes varied, sometimes causing adverse consequences, while other times mediating the relationship between variables.