Work context and turnover intention in social enterprises: the mediating role of meaning of work
Journal of Managerial Psychology
ISSN: 0268-3946
Article publication date: 13 February 2019
Issue publication date: 19 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of meaning of work as a linking mechanism between the perception of work context and turnover intention within the rarely studied context of social enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on meaning of work theories, an integrated research model was developed. Data were collected using questionnaires from 315 full-time employees at 114 social enterprises in Korea. Mediated and moderated structural equation models were used to assess the hypotheses.
Findings
Social mission was fully mediated by meaning of work to predict low turnover intention, and shared vision was partially mediated to predict the same. The authors also found that the positive relationship between social mission and meaning of work was stronger when shared vision was higher.
Originality/value
This study extends previous literature on managerial psychology (i.e. meaning of work and turnover) in the context of a new but increasingly prevalent organizational form, social enterprises. It also provides practical advice for managers seeking to retain employees and encourage the sustainability of the social enterprise sector.
Keywords
Citation
Sun, J., Lee, J.W. and Sohn, Y.W. (2019), "Work context and turnover intention in social enterprises: the mediating role of meaning of work", Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 46-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-11-2017-0412
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited