Motivators of work participation in economic development and life satisfaction of poor households: Evidence from Vietnam

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the determinants of basic needs on the motivation of work participation in economic development and life satisfaction. In order to carry out this research, a detailed survey was conducted. Data were collected from 454 households in the city of Can Tho, Vietnam, and were analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. The findings indicated that the needs of existence, growth, relatedness, and association participation positively influenced work participation in economic development, while the needs for existence and growth positively affected life satisfaction. A significant relationship was also found between work participation in economic development and life satisfaction. The research scope was not limited to poor women but was extended to all residents living in poverty. These results are sources to gain a clear understanding of the desire of the poor for appropriate policies to be implemented for them to escape from poverty and enjoy a higher standard of living. This would help boost the local economy and achieve sustainable goals. The study extends the literature of life satisfaction with motivational theory by identifying factors that affects life satisfaction.