Public Service Motivation, Military Veterans, and the Civil Service: A Qualitative Research Study
Public Service Motivation, Military Veterans, and the Civil Service: A Qualitative Research Study
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Issue Date
2025-10
Authors
Rohr, Derek
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Abstract
This qualitative case study explored the reflections of normative, affective, and rational motivational constructs in the accounts of veterans’ service and work. The identified problem was the lack of consideration for Public Service Motivation (PSM) during the federal hiring process despite recruitment challenges, values-driven talent engagement, and an oncoming retirement crisis. The research question evaluated how veterans’ internal orientations connected to work in public service and the fit challenges that they experienced. Theoretically guided by Perry and Wise’s PSM with supplemental support from identity theoretical frameworks, twenty honorably discharged veterans currently employed or seeking federal employment were recruited from an online veterans’ community and given semi-structured interviews remotely. NVivo was used for thematic development, focusing on veterans’ motivations for work, identity, and organizational fit experiences. Results showed a strong identification with PSM constructs, particularly in the areas of duty, mission-continuity, and compassion, with most participants seeing the civil service as an extension of military service. Fit challenges in onboarding, bureaucratic ambiguity, and culture misalignment. Veterans reported mismatches in leadership expectations and communication styles with agency peers. Findings supported that veterans are motivated and mission-oriented talent, but their transition into civil service was reliant on management recognizing their identity, leadership experience, and motivation. Recommendations included veteran-specific onboarding and transition programs, PSM-conscious recruitment messaging, structured mentorship programs, and military cultural-competency training for civilian supervisors. Suggestions for future research included longitudinal and quantitative analysis of veteran experiences, specifically from those underrepresented in the military community.
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Keywords
Public Service Motivation , Military Veterans , Human Resource Management , Military Learners & Veteran Transition