Identifying factors of Migration Intention from the Sri Lankan Software Engineering Industry: An Analysis using the Theory of Planned Behavior

The increasing level of expertise in software engineering in Sri Lanka is a crucial moment for its Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT/BPM) industry. Nevertheless, the obstacle of migration, particularly brain drain, is a substantial barrier to the expansion of the local software engineering sector. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework to investigate the cognitive processes that affect migratory tendencies in the software engineering sector in Sri Lanka. This study utilizes SmartPLS software and the PLS-SEM technique to examine and evaluate the relationships between crucial elements that influence the intention to migrate within the software engineering industry in Sri Lanka. Twenty-seven influential elements were initially identified through a thorough literature review and expert opinions. These factors were then categorized into five primary groupings that are in line with the TPB, along with a set of moderator factors. The data analysis was conducted in two distinct stages, where direct relationships and moderator relationships were examined independently. Political and economic concerns, as well as job satisfaction, were used as moderators. Results indicate that all variables significantly impact the intention to migrate at a 0.05 significance level. Nevertheless, subjective norms had a distinct impact on migration intentions only among individuals aged 30-35. Unexpectedly, perceived behavioral control exhibited a negative relationship with migration intentions, which contradicts the Theory of Planned Behavior framework. Furthermore, both job satisfaction and perceived behavioral variables exclusively moderated attitudes. Ultimately, this research provides insight into the complex connection between several factors that affect migration patterns in the software engineering industry in Sri Lanka. It also offers practical implications for industry stakeholders and policymakers.