Work Discretion, Tolerance, and Public Service Motivation Among Millennial and Generation Z Employees of City Government of Cabuyao

This study examined work discretion, tolerance, and public service motivation among Millennial and Generation Z employees of the City Government of Cabuyao. It explored how autonomy in decision-making and coping with work-related stress influenced intrinsic motivation for public service. A quantitative correlational descriptive approach was used to determine the sample size. Stratified random sampling selected 122 respondents from various departments, representing first- and second-level employees. Standardized instruments measured autonomy, while adapted tools assessed tolerance (moving toward, moving away, and moving against) and public service motivation (compassion and self-sacrifice). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear regression, and the Independent Sample T-test. Findings indicated that work discretion had a moderate level (M = 4.32). Tolerance scores were moderate for Moving Towards (M = 3.29) and Moving Away (M = 2.60), but low for Moving Against (M = 1.77). Public service motivation showed moderate compassion (M = 3.26) and high self-sacrifice (M = 3.78). Contrary to theoretical expectations, no significant relationships emerged between work discretion and public service motivation or tolerance and public service motivation. Results concluded that younger public servants were motivated to serve and had coping mechanisms for workplace stress, yet other organizational and psychological factors likely exerted greater influence.