The Influence of Intrinsic Motivation on Pay Satisfaction Among Caregivers in Residential Home for the Elderly in China: The Mediating Role of Job Burnout

BACKGROUND: According to the theory of compensating differentials, caregivers with high levels of intrinsic motivation should exhibit a higher-than-average satisfaction with their pay. Whereas studies conducted in Western countries have provided empirical evidence for the theory of compensating differentials in various care settings, few studies have been conducted in China that focus on caregivers employed in residential homes for the elderly (RHE). The sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers in China different significantly from their counterparts in Western countries. PURPOSE: This study was developed to analyze the mediating role of job burnout to assess the influence of intrinsic motivation on pay satisfaction among caregivers in RHE. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to examine the influences of intrinsic motivation on pay satisfaction in a sample of 1,212 caregivers employed in RHE in China by analyzing the mediating role of job burnout. RESULTS: Intrinsic motivation was found to relate positively to pay satisfaction (β = .11, p < .05). Negative relationships were identified between intrinsic motivation and job burnout (β = −.46, p < .01) and between job burnout and pay satisfaction (β = −.13, p < .01). Job burnout was found to have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between intrinsic motivation and pay satisfaction (β = .06, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A significant relationship was found between intrinsic motivation and pay satisfaction, with job burnout playing a mediating role in caregivers employed in RHE in China. This research has profound implications for nursing education, practice, and research. First, greater efforts should be focused on instilling nursing values in nursing students to foster intrinsic motivation. Second, nonpecuniary rewards may be offered to caregivers to acknowledge the values of care work and strengthen intrinsic motivation. Third, a supportive working climate should be fostered to reduce job burnout. Fourth, caregivers should be informed of their rights to decent pay and their right to bargain collectively through unions. Fifth, appropriate public policies should be implemented to provide pay for caregivers at levels that recognize and appreciate their intrinsic motivation.