IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/palcom/v10y2023i1d10.1057_s41599-023-02371-w.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Modeling the significance of work culture on burnout, satisfaction, and psychological distress among the Gen-Z workforce in an emerging country

Author

Listed:
  • Xuelin Chen

    (Jishou University
    Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM)

  • Mohammad Masukujjaman

    (Management and Science University)

  • Abdullah Al Mamun

    (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM)

  • Jingzu Gao

    (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM)

  • Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul

    (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM)

Abstract

Human resources are widely recognized as critical factors for promoting sustainable development in organizations. However, the evolving workplace landscape and uncertainties pose significant challenges to Gen Z workers in China, leading to increased psychological distress and decreased performance. This study investigates the effects of 996 work culture, work overload, perceived career development opportunities, and perceived pay for performance on the psychological distress experienced by Chinese Gen Z workers. Using a quantitative and cross-sectional approach, we obtained 676 responses from Chinese Gen Z workers. We also utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling to examine and forecast the extent of the impact of the independent variables. The empirical findings reveal that 996 work culture and work overload indirectly influence the psychological distress of Gen Z workers in China via job burnout and job satisfaction; whereas perceived career development opportunities and perceived pay for performance indirectly influence their psychological distress via job satisfaction. Our research extends the existing literature by providing insights into the complex associations between various work-related factors (particularly 996 work culture) and psychological distress among Gen Z workers in China. Regarding policy implications, this study emphasizes the significance of considering the mental health of young employees as a crucial aspect of organizational management and suggests practical measures that organizations can adopt to ensure long-term psychological well-being and workforce engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuelin Chen & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Abdullah Al Mamun & Jingzu Gao & Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul, 2023. "Modeling the significance of work culture on burnout, satisfaction, and psychological distress among the Gen-Z workforce in an emerging country," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:10:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-02371-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-02371-w
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41599-023-02371-w
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s41599-023-02371-w?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bubonya, Melisa & Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Wooden, Mark, 2017. "Mental health and productivity at work: Does what you do matter?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 150-165.
    2. Claire Oliveira & Makeila Saka & Lauren Bone & Rowena Jacobs, 2023. "The Role of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity: A Critical Review of the Literature," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 167-193, March.
    3. Sheri Price & Carol Reichert, 2017. "The Importance of Continuing Professional Development to Career Satisfaction and Patient Care: Meeting the Needs of Novice to Mid- to Late-Career Nurses throughout Their Career Span," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-13, June.
    4. Washika Haak-Saheem, 2021. "United Arab Emirates," CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, in: Silke Bustamante & Fabio Pizzutilo & Martina Martinovic & Susana Herrero Olarte (ed.), Corporate Social Responsibility and Employer Attractiveness, pages 355-360, Springer.
    5. Kimura, Takuma & Bande, Belén & Fernández-Ferrín, Pilar, 2018. "Work overload and intimidation: The moderating role of resilience," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 736-745.
    6. M. Isabel Sánchez-Hernández & Óscar Rodrigo González-López & María Buenadicha-Mateos & Juan Luis Tato-Jiménez, 2019. "Work-Life Balance in Great Companies and Pending Issues for Engaging New Generations at Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-18, December.
    7. Sajed Faisal Ghawadra & Khatijah Lim Abdullah & Wan Yuen Choo & Cheng Kar Phang, 2019. "Psychological distress and its association with job satisfaction among nurses in a teaching hospital," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(21-22), pages 4087-4097, November.
    8. Reinartz, Werner & Haenlein, Michael & Henseler, Jörg, 2009. "An empirical comparison of the efficacy of covariance-based and variance-based SEM," International Journal of Research in Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 332-344.
    9. Jenny Jing Wang, 2020. "How managers use culture and controls to impose a ‘996’ work regime in China that constitutes modern slavery," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(4), pages 4331-4359, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Wilawan Jansri, 2019. "Perception of Residents, Community Participation and Support for Tourism Development in the Old Town Muang Songkhla, Thailand," Proceedings of the 13th International RAIS Conference, June 10-11, 2019 07WJ, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
    2. Philippe Cohard, 2020. "Information Systems Values: A Study of the Intranet in Three French Higher Education Institutions," Post-Print hal-02987225, HAL.
    3. Lirios Alos-Simo & Antonio J. Verdu-Jover & Jose M. Gomez-Gras, 2020. "Knowledge Transfer in Sustainable Contexts: A Comparative Analysis of Periods of Financial Recession and Expansion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Kusa, Rafał & Suder, Marcin & Duda, Joanna, 2023. "Impact of greening on performance in the hospitality industry: Moderating effect of flexibility and inter-organizational cooperation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    5. Liang Xiao & Linyong Luo & Tongping Ke, 2024. "The influence of eWOM information structures on consumers’ purchase intentions," Electronic Commerce Research, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 1713-1735, September.
    6. Tu Thanh Hoai & Nguyen Phong Nguyen, 2022. "Internal Control Systems and Performance of Emerging Market Firms: The Moderating Roles of Leadership Consistency and Quality," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, September.
    7. Kautish, Pradeep & Paço, Arminda & Thaichon, Park, 2022. "Sustainable consumption and plastic packaging: Relationships among product involvement, perceived marketplace influence and choice behavior," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    8. Groza, Mark D. & Groza, Mya Pronschinske, 2018. "Salesperson regulatory knowledge and sales performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 37-46.
    9. Oubrich, Mourad & Hakmaoui, Abdelati & Benhayoun, Lamiae & Solberg Söilen, Klaus & Abdulkader, Bisan, 2021. "Impacts of leadership style, organizational design and HRM practices on knowledge hiding: The indirect roles of organizational justice and competitive work environment," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 488-499.
    10. Younès El Manzani & Mohamed Larbi Sidmou & Jean-Jack Cegarra, 2018. "Does IS0 9001 quality management system support product innovation? An analysis from the sociotechnical systems theory," Post-Print hal-03080217, HAL.
    11. Mäntymäki, Matti & Salo, Jari, 2013. "Purchasing behavior in social virtual worlds: An examination of Habbo Hotel," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 282-290.
    12. Ali, Hassan & Azhar, Maham & Zain, Marium & Shekhani, Hira & Muhammad Iqbal, Fahad, 2022. "How E-Learning Is Reshaping the Education Industry of Developing Economy? An Evidence from PLS-SEM Approach," MPRA Paper 112308, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    13. Mahadzirah Mohamad & Asyraf Afthanorhan* & Zainudin Awang & Morliyati Mohammad, 2019. "Comparison Between CB-SEM and PLS-SEM: Testing and Confirming the Maqasid Syariah Quality of Life Measurement Model," The Journal of Social Sciences Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 5(3), pages 608-614, 03-2019.
    14. Dafna Kariv & Carlo Giglio & Vincenzo Corvello, 2025. "Fostering Entrepreneurial intentions: exploring the interplay of education and endogenous factors," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-27, December.
    15. Chen, Xia & Miraz, Mahadi Hasan & Gazi, Md. Abu Issa & Rahaman, Md. Atikur & Habib, Md. Mamun & Hossain, Abu Ishaque, 2022. "Factors affecting cryptocurrency adoption in digital business transactions: The mediating role of customer satisfaction," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    16. Sarstedt, Marko & Wilczynski, Petra & Melewar, T.C., 2013. "Measuring reputation in global markets—A comparison of reputation measures’ convergent and criterion validities," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(3), pages 329-339.
    17. Osama Sohaib & Kyeong Kang & Mohammad Nurunnabi, 2018. "Gender-Based iTrust in E-Commerce: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Innovativeness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, December.
    18. Rodríguez-López, María Eugenia & Higueras-Castillo, Elena & Rojas-Lamorena, Álvaro J. & Alcántara-Pilar, Juan Miguel, 2024. "The future of TV-shopping: predicting user purchase intention through an extended technology acceptance model," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    19. Menta, Giorgia & Lepinteur, Anthony & Clark, Andrew E. & Ghislandi, Simone & D'Ambrosio, Conchita, 2023. "Maternal genetic risk for depression and child human capital," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    20. Thac Dang‐Van & Tan Vo‐Thanh & Jianming Wang & Ninh Nguyen, 2023. "Luxury hotels' green practices and consumer brand identification: The roles of perceived green service innovation and perceived values," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4568-4583, November.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:10:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-02371-w. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.nature.com/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.