A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China

Abstract This study explores the interrelationships between social network diversity, teacher collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban public schools in China. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data analyzed through Structural Equation Mo...

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Main Authors: XuDong Liu, DaYu Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:BMC Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02872-0
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author XuDong Liu
DaYu Huang
author_facet XuDong Liu
DaYu Huang
author_sort XuDong Liu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study explores the interrelationships between social network diversity, teacher collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban public schools in China. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and qualitative insights from thematic analysis. The sample consisted of 371 new teachers from primary and secondary schools in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, chosen for their distinct educational environments. Results indicated that social network diversity positively impacts teacher collaboration, which in turn significantly enhances job satisfaction. The SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit, with significant direct effects of social network diversity on both teacher collaboration and job satisfaction, and an indirect effect of social network diversity on job satisfaction mediated by teacher collaboration. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions corroborated these findings, highlighting the critical role of supportive social networks and collaborative practices in fostering a sense of community and professional efficacy among new teachers. These findings underscore the importance of fostering robust social network diversity and collaborative environments in schools to enhance job satisfaction and retention among new teachers in urban China.
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spelling doaj-art-2127d8952fec483f918efeaef4b6591c2025-08-20T03:16:33ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-05-0113112010.1186/s40359-025-02872-0A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban ChinaXuDong Liu0DaYu Huang1College of Teacher Education, University of the CordillerasGuizhou University, Tea CollegeAbstract This study explores the interrelationships between social network diversity, teacher collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban public schools in China. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and qualitative insights from thematic analysis. The sample consisted of 371 new teachers from primary and secondary schools in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, chosen for their distinct educational environments. Results indicated that social network diversity positively impacts teacher collaboration, which in turn significantly enhances job satisfaction. The SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit, with significant direct effects of social network diversity on both teacher collaboration and job satisfaction, and an indirect effect of social network diversity on job satisfaction mediated by teacher collaboration. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions corroborated these findings, highlighting the critical role of supportive social networks and collaborative practices in fostering a sense of community and professional efficacy among new teachers. These findings underscore the importance of fostering robust social network diversity and collaborative environments in schools to enhance job satisfaction and retention among new teachers in urban China.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02872-0Social network diversityTeacher collaborationJob satisfactionNew teachersMixed-methods researchSEM
spellingShingle XuDong Liu
DaYu Huang
A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
BMC Psychology
Social network diversity
Teacher collaboration
Job satisfaction
New teachers
Mixed-methods research
SEM
title A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
title_full A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
title_fullStr A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
title_full_unstemmed A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
title_short A mixed-methods exploration of social network diversity, collaboration, and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban China
title_sort mixed methods exploration of social network diversity collaboration and job satisfaction among new teachers in urban china
topic Social network diversity
Teacher collaboration
Job satisfaction
New teachers
Mixed-methods research
SEM
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02872-0
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