The interplay of work values, job satisfaction and intention to stay among millennials in Indonesia

This study aims to investigate the relationship between work values (intrinsic and extrinsic), job satisfaction and intention to stay among millennial employees in Indonesia. Drawing on self-identity theory, this study explores how intrinsic and extrinsic values shape job satisfaction and influence employees’ retention decisions by aligning with their professional identity. This study employs a quantitative approach with survey data collected from 378 millennial employees across various industries in Indonesia. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, ensuring that respondents met specific criteria as active workforce members. The study applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships between work values, job satisfaction and intention to stay. The findings of this study indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic work values have a positive and significant influence on job satisfaction. However, intrinsic work values negatively impact intention to stay, whereas extrinsic work values and job satisfaction positively and significantly influence intention to stay. Furthermore, job satisfaction serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between intrinsic work values and intention to stay, as well as between extrinsic work values and intention to stay. These results emphasize the critical role of job satisfaction in shaping employees’ retention decisions and highlight the differing effects of intrinsic and extrinsic work values on long-term organizational commitment.