Incubating factors in the home country and job satisfaction in a host nation: An analysis on cross-border labor

Abstract

Understanding the factors that affect labor satisfaction in the home country and their satisfaction in a host nation is very important. Therefore, this study investigates the job satisfaction of Vietnamese workers who frequently travel to China for employment. It utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the impact of external factors, particularly the support provided by their home countries. The survey collected data from 317 respondents randomly selected from lists provided by local authorities in three provinces adjacent to China, using a combination of face-to-face interviews and Internet calls. The respondents are individuals who regularly go to China for work. The study uses four main latent variables, consisting of a total of 17 measures that encompass both endogenous and exogenous factors associated with support from the home country. The findings indicate a significant influence of post-return quality of life and the acquisition of work-related skills through training programs on job satisfaction. Additionally, the regression coefficient value reveals a statistically significant negative correlation between job satisfaction and skills acquired through short training courses. However, no statistically significant relationship is found between the latent variable of media and employees’ job satisfaction. Based on the findings, this study suggests that policymakers and authorities should always assist migrants in reintegrating into their communities by supporting convenient registration procedures, providing relevant information, and giving necessary livelihood guidance. AcknowledgmentsThis article is an output of a research project titled: Cross-border labor at the Vietnam-China border area: problems, effects, and solutions, funded by Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.