Childhood migration and work motivation in Adulthood: Evidence from China

Abstract Childhood characteristics other than social background may affect work motivation in adulthood. In this research we assess the influence of childhood migration experience on adult work motivation from the perspective of work motivation theory, based on data from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamic Survey. We use propensity score matching and weighted multiple linear regressions while controlling for the city effect. The results suggest that the effects of childhood migration experience on work motivation are causal: those with such experience are more likely than those without to be driven by social factors and less likely be driven by economic factors. The results also highlight the significant moderating role of social integration as a mechanism through which the experience of migration in childhood affects adults’ levels of work motivation, both economic and social. The moderate effect is more pronounced among male and rural adults. Our findings indicate that entrepreneurs should consider employees’ experiences and formulate more targeted incentive programs to improve employees’ organizational commitment and performance.