Ozcan, MeryemCekmecelioglu, Hulya GunduzKonakay, Gonul2026-04-042026-04-0420252050-7283https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02800-2https://hdl.handle.net/11411/10649BackgroundWe examined the relationships between self-concept clarity, a relatively new addition to the organizational behavior literature, and the well-established constructs of psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation. We also aim to examine if psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between self-concept clarity and intrinsic motivation. By integrating self-determination theory and conservation of resources theory, the study offers a novel perspective on how internal psychological resources shape work-related motivation.MethodsWe implemented A cross-sectional study design to test the hypothesis. We collected data from 345 full-time employees across various sectors in the Marmara region, in T & uuml;rkiye.ResultsThe findings reveal that self-concept clarity, as a personality trait, is associated with employees' sense of meaning, competence, autonomy, and impact in the workplace, enabling them to feel psychologically empowered. Furthermore, self-concept clarity is positively related to intrinsic motivation. The results also demonstrate that psychological empowerment plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between self-concept clarity and intrinsic motivation.ConclusionsThis study serves as a foundation for the examination of self-concept clarity in the organizational behavior literature, particularly in relation to employee motivation.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessSelf-Concept ClarityIntrinsic MotivationPsychological EmpowermentSelf-Determination TheoryArticle2-s2.0-10500432160710.1186/s40359-025-02800-210.1186/s40359-025-02800-2140329409Q213Q1WOS:001482940900006