Abstract
More complex and evolving work environments have emerged as a result of the rapid changes that organisations are facing due to digitalisation and the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. These shifts have redefined work roles and performance expectations, especially in the public sector. Understanding how factors such as public service motivation and subjective well-being influence a contemporary perspective of work performance has become increasingly important. This study aimed to examine the relationship among public service motivation, subjective well-being and work role performance in the South African public sector. While public service motivation and subjective well-being have been studied independently, limited research has explored how these constructs interact to influence work role performance, particularly in the South African context. A quantitative research approach was used, employing a cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected from n=223 South African public sector employees, and the questionnaire was based on the public service motivation scale, work role performance scale and the satisfaction with life scale. Statistically significant positive relationships were found between public service motivation and work role performance, public service motivation and subjective well-being, and subjective well-being and work role performance. Subjective well-being was found to moderate the relationship between public service motivation and work role performance significantly and negatively. This study enhances understanding of the interplay between public service motivation, subjective well-being and work role performance, providing valuable insights for organisations, managers, employees and other relevant stakeholders to improve employee performance, enhance well-being and motivation, and inform a better design of workplace strategies and interventions to address challenges related to these constructs. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge of public service motivation, subjective well-being and work role performance by providing empirical evidence from a sample of employees within the South African public sector.