The Influence of Intrinsic Motivation and Perceived Leader Similarity on Chinese University Teachers' Subjective Career Success

This study aims to explore the impact of leader-member exchange on Chinese university teachers' subjective occupational success, as well as the mediating role of perceived leader similarity and intrinsic motivation. A convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey of 478 teachers in Chinese universities, and structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationships among leader-member exchange, perceived leader similarity, intrinsic motivation, and teachers' subjective occupational success. The results indicate that leader-member exchange has a significant negative impact on teachers' subjective occupational success. Perceived leader similarity and intrinsic motivation mediate the relationship between leader-member exchange and teachers' subjective occupational success. However, perceived leader similarity and intrinsic motivation do not act as sequential mediators in the relationship between leader-member exchange and teachers' subjective occupational success. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical insights for enhancing teachers' subjective occupational success in higher education institutions. Received: 07 August 2025 / Accepted: 10 December 2025 / Published: January 2026