Public service refers to any kind of work performed for the public good at a local, state or national level. This career field includes jobs in many different sectors, from the government to nonprofits and private companies.

A number of factors drive people to enter this field, including a desire to contribute to their community and a belief that working for the public good is important. Whether that means fighting for civil rights, helping to find homes for unhoused veterans or creating more sustainable communities through citywide recycling programs, people working in the public sector have plenty of ways to impact social change while also feeling fulfilled.

For many people, public services are integral to daily life. It’s taken for granted that a firetruck will be dispatched when a call goes out or that a police officer will respond to an altercation. These and other public services are essential for citizens, but they aren’t a free gift, as they’re provided through what is known as the public goods model.

For this reason, it’s vital that public service organizations (PSOs) understand and engage citizens as co-producers of these services. Existing research suggests that two leading reasons for citizen participation in this context are ability and motivation.