Influences of In-group Collectivism on Job Satisfaction and Burnout in Pakistan’s Public Service

In-group collectivism, characterized by a sense of pride, commitment, and cohesion within families or organizations, remains an area of limited exploration within the current literature. Few studies delve into how in-group collectivism influences emotional regulation and work performance, specifically among public employees who face significant emotional demands. To fill this knowledge gap, the proposed study seeks to uncover how in-group collectivism affects job satisfaction and burnout and the potential mediating role of emotional regulation strategies. As such, the study utilizes second-hand survey data among frontline public employees in Pakistan, a cultural context known for emphasizing in-group collectivism. The study results demonstrate that in-group collectivism positively impacts deep acting (a form of emotional regulation) and job satisfaction but does not significantly influence burnout. Furthermore, deep acting acts as a mediator between in-group collectivism and job satisfaction. Given the limited research on emotional labor in Pakistan, this research may add to the existing body of literature by offering insights from a cultural perspective. In practical terms, the study can potentially enhance public managers' recognition of cultural factors in promoting public employees' well-being and service performance.