The Philippines has a history of significant labor migration, with skilled workers departing for improved opportunities abroad. This continuous departure presents difficulties for national growth and preserving domestic talent, especially in the field of STEM. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) Theory to examine the factors affecting STEM professionals' migration intentions. The study merges both models to provide a more comprehensive understanding of migration behaviors. Data were gathered using a structured survey aimed at STEM professionals contemplating migration. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between TPB and VBN variables concerning migration intent. The results indicated that personal norms emerged as the most significant predictor of migration intention. This influence proved to be more considerable than that of attitudes, social pressures, or perceived control. The findings imply that personal norms shape migration decisions more than previously recognized. Although external factors such as job conditions and immigration policies are essential, internal values and a sense of obligation are even more influential. This has significant implications for workforce planning and policy, suggesting that initiatives aimed at retaining or attracting STEM talent should consider not only material conditions but also personal convictions and ethical motivations.
Yamanaka et al. (Wed,) studied this question.