in my dealings with PhD holding colleagues doing admin positions, i have realised some consistent features (as compared to my masters and MBA colleagues)

-they do not mind working long hours
- while others think of resigning, they continue working normally after being out down/scolded by bosses (afternote: being put down and scolded is supposedly a research module in obtaining a PhD as I have been told)
- they adhere to deadlines very strictly
- they complain less about salary. - i understand from one that doing admin positions in a stat board/ministry is already a pay cut, so their motivations are beyond monetary.

but the downside is:

- they are particular about the presentation of results ("spoil market" if you ask me, and they are hard on their staff)
- they take it very hard on themselves when things go wrong.