Part-time job satisfaction of international students in Japan: Research based on self-determination theory

Abstract

This study was designed to examine factors that improve job satisfaction of international students studying in Japan when doing part-time jobs, based on sub-theories of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). A hypothetical model based on the organismic integration theory and basic psychological needs theory, which are sub-theories of the SDT, were developed and examined through covariance structure analysis. The main results were as follows: (a) the need for relatedness and the need for competence, which are basic psychological needs, directly improve job satisfaction; (b) autonomous motivation is increased, and higher job satisfaction is obtained by satisfying the three psychological needs; (c) positive effect of the need for relatedness on the need for competence and positive effect of the need for competence on the need for autonomy were observed, suggesting the importance of satisfying the need for relatedness in part-time employment. The psychological processes affecting the job satisfaction of international students studying in Japan when doing part-time jobs is discussed based on the above results.