Work motivation is one of the central constructs in organizational studies and it permeates every branch of management. However, the topic is still an intriguing phenomenon in management science because the underlying principles have been criticized for their inadequacies in explaining many behaviors. These very inadequacies have constrained theory development in this area and it is in this context that this paper explores the concept of ‘deontic work motivation’ (Schwartz, 1983) which has its roots in the psychology of obligation. The purpose of this paper is to explain the nature of deontic motivation and bring out its distinctiveness as a motivational construct for theory development. Deontic motivation or the psychology of obligation develops through organizational socialization leading to positive work related attitudes like organizational commitment. An integrated model is developed by synthesizing existing literature and establishing the inter-linkages between organizational socialization, deontic motivation, and commitment. Propositions are developed and practical implications are discussed.