Ego depletion and self-control: The moderating role of public service motivation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.8189Keywords:
public service motivation, public sector organization, ego depletion, self-control, self-control failure, self-persuasion interventionAbstract
The importance of self-control failure and employee outcomes in public sector organizations in China is increasing. In this study, drawing on ego depletion theory and public service motivation (PSM) literature, we proposed that PSM would serve as a buffer against the detrimental effect of ego depletion on self-control. We used an experimental design to manipulate ego depletion with 95 Chinese public servant participants. Results showed that self-persuasion intervention can increase state PSM, and this contributes to higher self-control performance after an act of self-control. Results also indicated that higher trait PSM significantly correlates with higher self-control performance after ego depletion. Implications for cultivating PSM of employees in public sector organizations in China are discussed.
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