Purpose – This study examines the key determinants of intern engagement within the United Nations (UN) in South Korea, addressing growing concerns about workplace precarity. Despite the increasing significance of intern engagement, empirical research on its determinants remains limited, particularly in international organisations, such as the UN. Design/methodology/approach – To understand the determinants of engagement and its causal relations, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. This research relies on a non-probability sampling method for collecting valid experts' opinions. Both quantitative and qualitative data collected and analysed can furnish a fresh viewpoint to human resource (HR) and organisational behavior (OB) scholars in terms of practical and theoretical facets of intern engagement due to its exploratory nature. Findings – Our findings identified decision-making (from the intern dimension) and working conditions (from the organisational dimension) as the two most influential determinants of intern engagement, with strong effects on other determinants. Thematic analysis complemented these findings by revealing that the broader workplace can influence engagement through working conditions and career development opportunities. Originality/value – This study highlights participation in decision-making, working conditions and career development opportunities as core drivers of intern engagement. The findings suggest that intern engagement strategies should look toward these factors as key drivers of engagement. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
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