Choosing between intra-sector and inter-sector employment transitions: the role of public sector employment satisfaction and PSM

As the number of individuals considering leaving their current employer to move from one sector to another in search of better job opportunities increases, it becomes imperative for Human Resource Management (HRM) to understand the reasons behind this trend and develop strategies to retain talented employees. In this regard, this study builds on the Pull-Push-Mooring Theory, and examined whether job dissatisfaction, as a push factor, affects public employees’ turnover intentions, particularly in terms of their intra- or inter-sector switching decisions when considering leaving using the case of S. Korea. Specifically, we highlighted the roles of Public Service Motivation (PSM) and Public Sector Employment Satisfaction as key mooring factors. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.