Abstract: Taking Tecsun (Suzhou) Homes Co., Ltd. (Tecsun in short) as the single case study object, and using the cognitive energetics theory, this study explores the driving and restraining forces that affect workers’ active pursuit of excellence, and describes their evolution process. It is found that: (1) The formation of the new generation of migrant workers’ craftsman spirit includes three kinds of driving mechanism, which are identity filling, task enabling and habitus matching, and three endogenous paths, which are establishing positive self-concept, strengthening positive self-concept and ought-self restraining; (2) The identity filling mechanism drives the workers to build a positive self-concept and form an abundant reserve of psychological resources; (3) The task enabling mechanism drives the workers to take work as an important way to strengthen their positive self-concept, and then a lot of resources are invested in their work; (4) The habitus matching mechanism shapes the workers’ ought-self of focusing on their work and practicing good professional labor habits, which restrains the resistance in the process of goal pursuit. This study expands the application situation and interpretation boundary of cognitive energetics theory, enriches the antecedents of the formation of craftsman spirit, and broadens the thought of craftsman spirit cultivation of the new-generation migrant workers.

Key words: manufacturing industry, the new generation of migrant workers, craftsmanship, cognitive energetics theory, case study