Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Mediates The Role of Work Climate and Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Intrinsic Work Motivation in Rural Areas

Abstract

Teachers' intrinsic work motivation serves as a significant indicator of the quality of their work and their ability to deliver exceptional performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction in the relationship between work climate and intrinsic work motivation among early childhood education teachers in rural areas. A total of 107 early childhood education teachers participated in this research by completing questionnaires on organizational climate, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and interest or pleasure questionnaires from the intrinsic motivation inventory. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 22 and Smart PLS 3. The findings of the study indicate that work climate influences basic psychological needs satisfaction and intrinsic work motivation. Moreover, the results highlight the role of basic psychological needs satisfaction as a mediating factor between work climate and intrinsic work motivation among early childhood education teachers in rural areas. Enhancing the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction can foster a more positive work climate, leading to increased teaching effectiveness and work motivation among teachers.