Collective psychological ownership and turnover intention amongst social workers in China: the mediating effect of burnout

ABSTRACT

This study, which utilises data from the CSWLS survey, examines the correlation between collective psychological ownership (CPO) and turnover intention (TI) among social workers. The results demonstrate a negative correlation between CPO and TI among social workers. Additionally, emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and lack of personal accomplishment (LOPA) from burnout all partially mediate the link between CPO and TI. Developing a culture of teamwork and a positive organisational environment can help decrease TI among social workers and better advance the social work sector.

KEYWORDS:

• Turnover intention
• collective psychological ownership
• mediating effect
• social workers
• China

Acknowledgments

This study follows the principles stated in the Declaration of Helsinki. This study collected sample data through questionnaire survey. In the process of data collection, each participant was briefed on the purpose of the study and informed that all information would be strictly confidential and used for academic purposes only. The relevant information was stated on the beginning of each questionnaire to ensure that every respondent clearly knows their rights and agrees this survey. The questionnaire requires only the last four digits of a phone number, so it does not identify individuals or affect the respondent’s career. Finally, an Ethic Issue Form offered by Yiwu Industrial and Commercial College was signed and submitted to comply with academic ethics.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary Material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/29949769.2024.2384740

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by Zhejiang Province Soft Science Project: Research on Entrepreneurship Assistance Mechanism and Countermeasures for Urban Ethnic Minority Floating Population - Zhejiang Plan Based on the Perspective of Common Prosperity [Grant Number: 2023C35058]; Major Humanities and Social Sciences Research Projects in Zhejiang higher education institutions [Grant Number: 2023QN142].

Notes on contributors

Junhan Ji

Junhan Ji is a lecturer in Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College. After graduating from East China University of Science and Technology, he has been engaged in research in the field of social work. He also works in social work institutions and provides multiple community services.His research interests lie in the theoretical research and practical research of social work.

Qing Li

Qing Li is a Ph.D. graduated from College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, China. Her research focuses on organizational behavior and information economics. Qing Li is the corresponding author of this paper.

Wenjie Qiu

Wenjie Qiu is a lecturer in Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College. His research focuses on enterprise management and organisational behaviour.

Yan Li

Yan Li is an associate professor in Yiwu Industrial & Commercial College. Her research focuses on race and race relations.