The mediating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between normative commitment and pay satisfaction among university counselors

Abstract

This study examines the association between normative commitment and pay satisfaction among university counselors moderated by emotional exhaustion. The study employed quantitative, cross-sectional design, involving a sample of 294 university counselors working at three universities in China. The results confirmed that higher normative commitment is related to both lower emotional exhaustion and higher pay satisfaction. It also proved that emotional exhaustion mediates the association between normative commitment and pay satisfaction. This shows that the counselors' perceived moral obligation toward their institution contributes to job satisfaction. This research contributes to the understanding of organizational commitment and its impact on work outcomes in higher education, offering practical implications for improving counselor retention and satisfaction through targeted support and compensation systems.