Job satisfaction, burnout, turnover intention: insights from the Greek public administration through the theoretical lens of PSM

This study explores the interplay between job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention among public sector employees in Greece, particularly those working in the Ministry of Education. Public organizations face increasing pressure from policymakers and stakeholders to enhance service efficiency while managing constrained resources. Drawing on Public Service Motivation (PSM) as a conceptual lens, it explores how value congruence between employees and public service roles may foster job satisfaction and resilience. Using survey data and validated psychometric tools, the study extends existing research by providing empirical evidence from the Greek public administration. The findings confirm previous research linking job satisfaction negatively with turnover intention and burnout. They also suggest that fostering a value-driven public service environment can enhance employee job satisfaction in the public sector. HR strategies that incorporate PSM principles - such as mentoring, participative management, and training in emotional resilience - can reinforce employees’ intrinsic motivation, strengthen commitment, and reduce burnout by aligning work responsibilities with public service values. This research contributes to the understanding of job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover intention in the public sector, emphasizing PSM as a key theoretical framework for interpreting how value congruence (or its absence) may affect employee well-being and public service efficiency.