A Structural Analysis of the Relationships Among Career Choice Motivation, Self-Esteem, Occupational Identity, and Long-Term Retention Intention of Environmental Public Workers

This study analyzed the effects of career choice motivation on long-term retention intention among environmental public workers using a structural equation modeling approach. Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and normative motivation—the sub-factors of career choice motivation—were set as independent variables. Self-esteem and occupational identity were included as mediating variables to verify the structural paths leading to long-term retention intention. Data collected through surveys were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 for descriptive statistics and reliability analysis, and AMOS 23.0 for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The analysis results showed that intrinsic motivation and normative motivation had significant positive effects on occupational identity. Normative motivation also had a significant positive effect on self-esteem. Self-esteem positively influenced occupational identity, and occupational identity, in turn, had a positive effect on long-term retention intention. However, self-esteem did not have a direct effect on retention intention. Interestingly, normative motivation had a negative direct effect on long-term retention intention but exerted a positive indirect effect through the mediating variables. These findings suggest that while normative motivation may directly hinder long-term retention, it can function as a positive driver when mediated by self-esteem and occupational identity. To promote the long-term retention of environmental public workers, organizational and institutional support that enhances their occupational identity and self-esteem is essential. This study holds both academic and practical significance in that it empirically identifies the psychosocial factors affecting the retention of environmental public workers.