Abstract
As the world of work changes rapidly, the public sector is evolving to accommodate these changes. Consequently, this increases the importance of understanding the role of public service motives on perceived employability in an uncertain and evolving public sector. In addition, career agility encourages proactivity and an ability to adapt to changes in the workplace through technological adaptivity, agile learning and career navigation, which can assist employees to meet their psychological need for employability. The aim of this study was to determine the moderating effect of career agility on the relationship between public service motivation and employability among public servants in South Africa. Data was collected from n = 166 South African public sector employees using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. The questionnaire was based on the public service motivation scale (PSM), career agility scale (CAS) and the employability attributes scale (EAS). Analysis of the data revealed a statistically significant, positive relationship between public service motivation and employability. However, career agility did not moderate this relationship. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on public service motivation and employability in the public sector. Furthermore, it provides insights on the role of career agility in assisting public sector employees to navigate their careers and sustain their employability in a changing public sector. These insights can assist public sector organisations in the development of effective career interventions that support the sustainability of public service careers.