The Influence of Work Values on Resignation intention: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction and the Moderating Effect of Perceived External Employability among Generation Z Employees in Sichuan, China

Authors

  • Zhang Peidong Faculty of Management and Economics, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia
  • Suzyanty Mohd Shokory Faculty of Management and Economics, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31674/ijmhs.2026.v10i01.002

Abstract

Background: In the context of industrial upgrading, it is increasingly important to understand the impact of the work values of Generation Z employees on their resignation intention. This group values growth and work-life balance, and their high mobility poses a challenge to traditional management. This study focuses on Sichuan Province and explores the influence of regional culture on their workplace behavior. Objective: To reveal the mechanism by which the work values of Generation Z employees in Sichuan affect their intention to resign. The core is to verify the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating effect of perceived external employability on the "satisfaction → resignation intention" path. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to sample 363 Generation Z employees in Sichuan Province. Use mature scales to measure variables, and use correlation analysis, regression analysis, and Bootstrap method to test the mediating and moderating effects. Results: Work values can directly and indirectly reduce resignation intention by increasing job satisfaction (partially mediated). Perceived external employability plays a moderating role: when it is high, the inhibitory effect of job satisfaction on resignation intention will weaken. Conclusion: The resignation decision of Generation Z employees in Sichuan is a rational balance of internal and external factors. Enterprises need to balance both internal and external aspects: internally, they can enhance satisfaction by meeting their values, while externally, they can strengthen their compensation and development competitiveness to cope with the attractiveness of the external talent market.

Keywords:

Generation Z Employees, Job Satisfaction, Perceive External Employability, Resignation Intention

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Published

08-01-2026

How to Cite

Peidong, Z., & Shokory, S. M. (2026). The Influence of Work Values on Resignation intention: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction and the Moderating Effect of Perceived External Employability among Generation Z Employees in Sichuan, China. International Journal of Management and Human Science (IJMHS), 10(1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.31674/ijmhs.2026.v10i01.002

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