This study empirically examines the impact of Public Service Motivation (PSM) on Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior (UPB), mediated by Organizational Identification (OID). The analysis reveals that while PSM does not have a direct effect on UPB, it...
This study empirically examines the impact of Public Service Motivation (PSM) on Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior (UPB), mediated by Organizational Identification (OID). The analysis reveals that while PSM does not have a direct effect on UPB, it exerts a significant indirect effect hrough OID, confirming a full mediation effect. These findings suggest that when PSM is transformed into excessive loyalty to the organization, it may paradoxically lead to unethical behavior committed for the benefit of the organization. The results underscore the need to design institutional strategies that address the potential dark side of PSM in order to prevent UPB in public organizations.