Drivers for municipal climate roles: a qualitative study on the intrinsic motivations of individuals to pursue climate roles in Dutch municipalities.

Abstract

Municipalities face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled professionals for climate roles. This qualitative study explores the intrinsic motivations that drive individuals to pursue municipal climate careers. The study applies the public service motivation (PSM) framework to explain how intrinsic motivation aligns with public values, making municipal roles particularly attractive to certain individuals. It was expected that individuals with intrinsic motivation connected to public service motivation are more likely to pursue and remain in climate roles in municipalities. The research includes 26 semi-structured interviews with current and potential civil servants. The findings reveal that intrinsic motivation plays a central role in career decisions, even when coexisting with extrinsic motivation. Key intrinsic drivers include the desire for personal and professional development, societal contribution, and alignment with climate-related values. These values manifest in two distinct forms: environmental activism and social sustainability. The findings confirm that individuals whose intrinsic motivations align with public service values, through societal contribution and social sustainability, are more likely to pursue and remain in municipal climate roles. Municipalities can enhance their appeal by emphasising the societal impact and more investment in opportunities for development. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of labour shortages in the public climate sector.