Purpose: This study aims to comprehensively investigate the complex mechanisms influencing employee turnover intention within China's traditional manufacturing sector, with specific focus on the ceramic industry in Foshan. The research examines both direct and mediated effects through an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates both economic and psychosocial factors. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 368 employees across various ceramic manufacturing enterprises in Foshan through a structured questionnaire. Advanced statistical techniques including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with bootstrapping analysis were utilized to test the hypothesized relationships and mediation effects. Findings: The empirical results demonstrate that job satisfaction, compensation satisfaction, and job embeddedness exert significant negative effects on turnover intention. Furthermore, organizational commitment plays a crucial mediating role in these relationships. Notably, job embeddedness emerged as the most potent predictor within the specific context of Chinese traditional manufacturing, highlighting the importance of contextual and community factors. Originality/value: This research makes significant contributions by developing an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates both economic and psychosocial factors, while particularly emphasizing the Asian contextual factors that influence turnover dynamics. The findings provide valuable insights for developing culturally appropriate retention strategies in traditional manufacturing sectors undergoing technological transformation and digitalization. Practical implications: The study offers evidence-based recommendations for managers in Asian manufacturing contexts, emphasizing the need for holistic retention strategies that address both economic incentives and psychosocial factors, with particular attention to community integration and leadership development.
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