Individual and organizational determinants of turnover intent

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply social exchange theory to predict the effects of procedural and interpersonal justice on turnover intentions. Specifically, it is predicted that organizational commitment mediates the effects of procedural justice on turnover intentions and that supervisory commitment mediates the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were administered to 212 call center employees to measure the effects of procedural justice, interpersonal justice, organizational commitment, supervisory commitment and turnover intentions. Mediation effects were tested using Baron and Kenny's methodology.

Findings

Support was found for a partial mediation effect of organizational commitment on the effect of procedural justice on turnover intentions; and for a full mediation effect of supervisory commitment on the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.

Practical implications

Reduction of turnover is a major problem for the call center industry, as considerable resources are spent training new employees. This research suggests that turnover intentions can be reduced by addressing problems with organizational procedures and with the treatment of employees by supervisors.

Originality/value

The findings of this study replicate the mediation effects of organizational commitment on the effect of procedural justice on turnover intentions in call centers. In addition, this is the first study of its kind to show the mediation effects of supervisory commitment on the effect of interpersonal justice on turnover intentions.

Citation

Flint, D., Haley, L.M. and McNally, J.J. (2013), "Individual and organizational determinants of turnover intent", Personnel Review, Vol. 42 No. 5, pp. 552-572. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-03-2012-0051