How motivation and Kaizen skills drive employee intent to stay: A cross-sectional study in the food and beverage industry

This study examined the influence of Kaizen skills, amotivation, and integrated regulation on employees’ intention to stay in Vietnam’s food and beverage (F&B) industry, a sector marked by high turnover rates. A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was employed to survey 123 F&B employees in southern Vietnam. Data were collected via Google Forms and in-person interviews. Scales measuring Kaizen skills, motivation, and intention to stay were adapted and validated for use. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Kaizen skills (β = 0.277, p = 0.001) and integrated regulation (β = 0.411, p < 0.001) significantly predicted a higher intent to stay, while amotivation negatively predicted retention (β = -0.294, p = 0.002). Educational level and work type also influenced the intent to stay. The findings underscore the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors in employee retention. Kaizen-based training, meaningful work, and alignment with personal values play key roles in fostering long-term commitment. F&B organizations should integrate Kaizen principles into training, support employee development, and align roles with individual values to reduce turnover and enhance retention.