Studies in Public Service Administration

Occupational Regret beyond an Emotion: An Alarm for Job Satisfaction and Quality of Work

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

somayeh Malekian fard 1
Tayebe Amirkhani 2

1 Graduated in Public Administration - Human Resources Development, Shahid beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Shahid beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/spsa.2025.89265.1081
Abstract
Objective: This mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) study investigated the phenomenon of occupational regret within Iran’s home appliance industry, identifying its triggers, consequences, and coping strategies.
Methods: The qualitative section employed a Grounded Theory (GT) approach with unstructured interviews conducted with 25 employees. In the quantitative phase, 302 questionnaires were distributed via simple random sampling, and variable relationships were assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).
Findings: The qualitative analysis identified incongruence between expectations and organizational realities as the central category. Factors such as poor organization, a hierarchical culture, and inappropriate managerial behavior were highlighted as primary triggers for regret. The quantitative findings confirmed a direct and significant relationship between occupational regret and consequences like reduced motivation and job satisfaction.
Conclusion: The results provide an analytical tool for managers to prevent the negative outcomes of occupational regret and foster a better work environment by focusing on the reform of structural and organizational factors.
  1. Alavijeh, F. A., & Zarrinabadi, N. (2025). If only I had selected a different job: Exploring causes, consequences, and profiles of language teacher regret. System, 130, 103624, 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103624
  2. Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded theory: A practical guide. Sage
  3. Budjanovcanin, A., & Woodrow, C. (2022). Regretting your occupation constructively: A qualitative study of career choice and occupational regret. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 136, 103743, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2022.103743
  4. Budjanovcanin, A., Rodrigues, R., & Guest, D. (2019). A career with a heart: exploring occupational regret. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 34(3), 156. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-02-2018-0105
  5. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
  6. Doganülkü, H. A., & Kirdök, O. (2021). The Moderating Role of Career Decision Regret in the Effect of Career Adaptability on Burnout. International Journal of Progressive Education, 17(2), 319.  https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2021.332.20
  7. Douglas, D. (2003). Grounded theories of management: A methodological review. Management research news, 26(5), 47. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170310783466
  8. Ephrem, A. N., & Murimbika, M. (2024). When do entrepreneurs and employees consider reversing career choices to manage regrets? .Journal of Decision Systems, 1. https://doi.org/10.1080/12460125.2024.2321414
  9. Howard, M. C., & Smith, M. B. (2023). Employee regret and disappointment: Creation of a scale and foundational application of the approach/avoidance framework. Applied Psychology, 72(2), 443. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12367
  10. Joseph‐Williams, N., Edwards, A., & Elwyn, G. (2011). The importance and complexity of regret in the measurement of ‘good’decisions: a systematic review and a content analysis of existing assessment instruments. Health Expectations, 14(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00621.x
  11. Kline, R. B. (2016). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th Ed). Guilford Press.
  12. Koo, K., Javier-DesLoges, J. F., Fang, R., North, A. C., & Cone, E. B. (2021). Professional burnout, career choice regret, and unmet needs for well-being among urology residents. Urology, 157, 57-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.064
  13. Köse, A. (2019). Career Decision Regret as a Predictor: Do Teachers and Administrators Regret Due to Their Career Choice? .World Journal of Education, 9(1), 39.  https://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v9n1p38
  14. Polat, Ş., & Yeşil, A. (2025). Relationships between Nurses' Personal and Professional Characteristics and Career Decision Regret, Occupational Stress and Turnover Intention: A Descriptive Cross‐Sectional Study. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 31(4), e70040. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.70040
  15. Reb, J., & Connolly, T. (2009). Myopic regret avoidance: Feedback avoidance and learning in repeated decision making. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 109(2), 182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2009.05.002
  16. Rutledge, J. A., Williams, J. D., & Barlow, M. A. (2024). The relationship between life regrets and well-being: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1515373.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1515373
  17. Savioni, L., Triberti, S., Durosini, I., & Pravettoni, G. (2023). How to make big decisions: A cross-sectional study on the decision making process in life choices. Current Psychology, 42(18), 15230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02792-x
  18. Schulze Schleithoff, C., Lysova, E. I., Khapova, S. N., & Korotov, K. (2025). ‘No regrets, they don't work’: Utilizing repair strategies to embrace difficulties in individuals' careers. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 98(2), e70033. https://doi.org/10.1111/joop.70033
  19. Sullivan, S. E., Forret, M. L., & Mainiero, L. A. (2007). No regrets? An investigation of the relationship between being laid off and experiencing career regrets. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 22(8), 787-804. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940710837723
  20. Tian, L., Pu, J., Liu, Y., Zhong, X., Gui, S., Song, X., ... & Xie, P. (2019). Relationship between burnout and career choice regret among Chinese neurology postgraduates. BMC medical education, 19(1), 162.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1601-3
  21. van de Calseyde, P. P., Zeelenberg, M., & Evers, E. R. (2018). The impact of doubt on the experience of regret. Organizational behavior and human decision processes, 149, 97-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2018.08.006
  22. Verbruggen, M., & De Vos, A. (2020). When people don’t realize their career desires: Toward a theory of career inaction. Academy of Management Review, 45(2), 376-394. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2017.0196
  23. Zeelenberg, M., & Pieters, R. (2007). A theory of regret regulation 1.0. Journal of Consumer psychology, 17(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327663jcp1701_3
  24. Zhang, L., Ye, J., & Wang, J. X. (2022). A grounded theory study of the psychological distance in online education. Educational Technology & Society, 25(3), 99.
  25. Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (2011). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (Trans. Ebrahim Afshar). Tehran: Ney Publishing. [In Persian]
  26. Danayifard, H., Alvani, S. M., & Azar, A. (2021). Qualitative Research Methodology in Management: A Comprehensive Approach. Eshrāqi, Tehran: Safar Publications. [In Persian]
  27. Danayifard, H., & Emami, S. M. (2007). Qualitative Research Strategies: A Reflection on Grounded Theory. Management Thought, 1(2), 69–87. [In Persian]
  28. Kalantari, M., Shahbazi, Z., & Fallahi Azar, A. (2018). Structural Equation Modeling Using AMOS. Tehran: Mahd‑Pajouhesh Publications. [In Persian]
Studies in Public Service Administration
Volume 3, Issue 7
Winter 2025
Pages 87-120

  • Receive Date 02 November 2025
  • Revise Date 02 December 2025
  • Accept Date 06 December 2025

Home

Editorial Boards

Submit Manuscript

Contact Us

Article Processing Charges