The Influence of Foreign Teachers' Future Time Perspective and Ego Depletion: Role of Friendship Satisfaction and Diversity Climate

Lei Li; Zhaoyun Wen; Ke Zhang

ผู้แต่ง

Lei Li International College, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Thailand
Zhaoyun Wen Arts and Communication College, Qingdao Binhai University, China
Ke Zhang Chinese International College, Dhurakij Pundit University, Thailand

คำสำคัญ:

Future Time Perspective, Ego Depletion, Friendship Satisfaction, Diversity Climate

บทคัดย่อ

This study aimed to (1) examine the relationship between foreign teachers’ future time perspective and ego depletion, (2) analyze the mediating role of friendship satisfaction, and (3) investigate the moderating role of diversity climate in this relationship. The research employed a quantitative approach grounded in conservation of resources theory. The sample consisted of 306 foreign teachers from 18 higher education institutions in Guangxi, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces in China, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising four validated scales: future time perspective, ego depletion, friendship satisfaction, and diversity climate. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, mediation analysis, moderation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis.

The findings revealed that future time perspective had a significant negative relationship with ego depletion. Friendship satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between future time perspective and ego depletion, indicating that higher levels of future-oriented thinking enhance positive interpersonal relationships, which in turn reduce psychological exhaustion. In addition, diversity climate significantly moderated both the direct relationship between future time perspective and ego depletion and the relationship between future time perspective and friendship satisfaction. Furthermore, diversity climate strengthened the indirect effect of future time perspective on ego depletion through friendship satisfaction at different levels. These results suggest that future time perspective is a critical antecedent of ego depletion, while friendship satisfaction and diversity climate function as important psychological and organizational mechanisms in mitigating negative psychological states. The study contributes to theoretical and practical knowledge by extending the application of conservation of resources theory in explaining ego depletion among foreign teachers in multicultural contexts. It highlights the importance of fostering future-oriented perspectives, promoting positive social relationships, and cultivating an inclusive and supportive organizational climate. The findings suggest that higher education institutions should implement targeted human resource strategies, enhance interpersonal support systems, and develop diversity-friendly environments to effectively reduce ego depletion and improve the well-being and performance of foreign teachers.

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