Public service motivation in fragile contexts: the mediating power of remote e-working in Lebanon's NGO sector

Purpose This study investigates how public service motivation (PSM) influences employee performance in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating under fragility and examines whether remote e-working (REW) mediates this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 226 employees working in local and international NGOs in Lebanon. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares was used to test the hypothesized mediation model. Findings REW partially mediates the relationship between PSM and employee performance. Remote arrangements appear to translate prosocial motives into higher performance by enhancing autonomy, flexibility and technology-enabled engagement. Practical implications NGO leaders and policymakers should design remote work systems that support autonomy, trust, clear objectives and reliable digital tools. Investment in training, performance feedback and secure platforms can help sustain performance in challenging contexts. Originality/value The study integrates PSM with emerging evidence on flexible work to explain performance mechanisms in fragile environments, showing how REW operates as a pathway from motivation to outcomes.