The Effects of Chinese Seafarers’ Job Demands on Turnover Intention: The Role of Fun at Work

Abstract

This study examines how an occupational commitment and a fun work environment serve as important mechanisms that influence the job demands–turnover intentions relationship. On the basis of the job demands–resources model, the study explored the relationship between job demands, occupational commitment, fun at work, and turnover intention. The hypotheses were (1) that job demands would be positively associated with predicted turnover intention; (2) that occupational commitment would mediate the job demands–turnover intention link and (3) that a fun environment would moderate the relationship between job demands and occupational commitment and between job demands and turnover intention. The study sampled 294 seafarers using an online survey, and applied descriptive, correlative analysis and the PROCESS Macro to test the hypotheses. Findings provide preliminary support for the three hypotheses, and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism determining seafarers’ turnover intention. The results suggest the importance of holding appropriate group activities on-board to help seafarers alleviate fatigue and stress.

Mental health problems and their related factors among seafarers: a scoping review

“…Work-related psychosocial stress refers to worry about family member (66.5%), financial situation (55.4%), ship safety (64.3%), sea piracy (59.5%), port state control (51.5%), and occupational strain (52.7%). 8 Gu et a l. (2020) [ 31 ] Asia (PR China) Cross-sectional study Self-administered questionnaire by online questionnaire 294 seafarers unspecified ship Turnover intention by Mobley et al and job demand by Karasek Job demand consisting of job stress, time pressure and so on was positively predicted turnover intention (intention to leave). 5 Xia et al (2016) [ 32 ] Asia (PR China) Cross-sectional study Self-administered questionnaire, venous blood for neuroendocrine hormone level and menstruation record by training workers of the ship to collect the data 71 female seafarers in hospital ships 90-items self-rating psychological symptom scale (10 sub-scale such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, depression etc.)…”

“…As to the data collection, five quantitative studies collected data using face to face questionnaires (two study locations were unidentified [ 19 , 36 ], one study used a piloting training center [ 35 ], and two studies were conducted at a health examination hospital [ 18 , 20 ]). Five studies distributed questionnaires using online surveys [ 16 , 17 , 24 , 31 , 33 ]. Five studies distributed questionnaires on board [ 6 , 21 , 22 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Pressure from contractors/customers/time and job stress in seafaring were negatively associated with job satisfaction levels [ 21 ] and positively associated with intention to leave [ 21 , 31 ].…”

Analysis of influencing factors of subjective career unsuccessfulness of vocational college graduates from the Department of Navigation in China

“…Then, guide students to find out the meaning of simple work and enhance the experience of work achievement; teach students to accept the dullness of work with a peaceful mind, and establish a way to adjust to the boring life; broaden students’ interests and hobbies; delve into, share, and pass on interesting things in life. Appropriate fun activities on board can also help seafarers reduce their fatigue and stress ( Gu et al, 2020 ).…”

Predictors of professional commitment for Chinese new generation cohorts in a sample of seafaring officers

“…With respect to seafarers, many existing studies have addressed some issues related to their recruitment and retention, for instance: the antecedents associated with migration of officers from ships to land (Caesar et al, 2020), major factors affecting seafaring students' career selection (Ruggunan and Kanengoni, 2017), and determinants or predictors of seafarer retention (Silva et al, 2011;Bhattacharya, 2015;Yuen et al, 2018;Gu et al, 2020). The differences between generational cohorts have been neglected, however.…”