This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between mentorship, working environment, and research motivation among 536 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in Chinese universities. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed a significant influence of working environment on research motivation. Qualitative data from interviews and diaries showed that these factors impacted motivation differently across university types. Teachers at elite universities ('Project 985' and 'Project 211') had more supportive environments, while those at ordinary universities experienced insufficient mentorship, poor working conditions, and limited time and funding, negatively affecting their research motivation. The study suggests developing mentorship programs and improving working environments, particularly for teachers at ordinary universities, to enhance research motivation and productivity.

Yanping Li, Lawrence Jun Zhang, Naashia Mohamed