Negative workplace gossip and turnover intention among Chinese rural preschool teachers: The mediation of ego depletion and the moderation of bianzhi

Self-control and limited willpower: Current status of ego depletion theory and research

Ego depletion theory proposes that self-regulation depends on a limited energy resource (willpower). The simple initial theory has been refined to emphasize conservation rather than resource exhaustion, extended to encompass decision making, planning, and initiative, and linked to physical bodily energy (glucose). Recent challenges offered alternative explanations (which have largely failed) and questioned replicability (which has now been well established). Methods have improved, particularly with emphasis on longer, stronger manipulations to ensure fatigue. New work extends ego depletion into workplace settings and sports. Interpersonal conflict may be both a major cause and consequence. New questions include the possibility of chronic ego depletion (e.g., in burnout), protective factors and coping strategies, individual differences, and recovery processes.

The relationship between negative workplace gossip and thriving at work among Chinese kindergarten teachers: the roles of psychological contract breach and bianzhi

Introduction

Exploring the influencing factors and functioning mechanisms of thriving at work is of practical significance both for teachers and kindergartens. Based on the socially embedded model of thriving at work, this study aimed to examine the association between negative workplace gossip and thriving at work. The mediating role of psychological contract breach and the moderating role of bianzhi were also examined.

Methods

A total of 1105 Chinese kindergarten teachers were chosen to complete a questionnaire on negative workplace gossip, psychological contract breach, and thriving at work.

Results

The results demonstrated that negative workplace gossip was positively associated with psychological contract breach and negatively associated with thriving at work. In addition, psychological contract breach was negatively associated with thriving at work. According to the mediation model test, psychological contract breach was a mediating factor between negative workplace gossip and thriving at work. The impact of psychological contract breach on thriving at work could be further moderated by bianzhi.

Conclusion

This study complements knowledge systems about the influential factors and functional mechanisms of thriving at work. In practical terms, this study offers a fresh and innovative perspective for kindergartens seeking to enhance teachers' thriving at work.

Destructive Leadership and Turnover Intention among Chinese Rural Kindergarten Teachers: The Mediation of Ego Depletion and the Moderation of Kindergarten Affiliation

One of the main challenges to the growth of early childhood education in rural China is the high teacher turnover rates. This study investigated the association between destructive leadership and turnover intention, as well as the mediating function of ego depletion and the moderating role of kindergarten affiliation, based on social exchange theory and ego depletion theory. A total of 409 Chinese rural kindergarten teachers were selected to complete a questionnaire on destructive leadership, ego depletion, and turnover intention. The results revealed that destructive leadership, ego depletion, and turnover intention were positively correlated. After controlling for age, destructive leadership was a positive predictor of turnover intention. The mediation model test revealed that ego depletion acted as a mediator between destructive leadership and turnover intention. Moreover, kindergarten affiliation mitigated the impact of destructive leadership on ego depletion. This effect is more pronounced in public kindergarten teachers compared to private kindergarten teachers. This study adds to our knowledge of the contributing factors and functioning mechanisms underlining turnover intentions among rural kindergarten teachers. It also provides new perspectives for policymakers and administrators to address rural kindergarten teacher attrition.