Job engagement and turnover intention in commercial banks: Moderating role of decent work

Abstract

Orientation: The need to investigate the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between job engagement (JE) and turnover intention (TI) has arisen from the economic challenges that have resulted in high employee turnover in the banking sector.

Research purpose: The study aims to understand how the relationship between JE and TIs can be explained by the moderating effect of decent work.

Motivation for the study: Studies on the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between JE and TIs are scarce in the financial sectors.

Research approach/design and method: A purely quantitative approach was employed with 200 employees sampled from selected commercial banks in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. A survey research design was used, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) as the data analytical tool.

Main findings: A negative correlation between JE and TI was found, implying that when JE is high, TIs are low. The sub-dimensions of decent work, that is, social dialogue; social protection; employment creation and rights at work were found to significantly moderate the relationship between JE and TI.

Practical/managerial implications: Employees value social dialogue, their rights at work, and the growth of the organisation. The rate at which banks hire new recruits ensures job security for current employees. Commercial banks should provide social services, for their employees and their families, as this promotes job security and reduces turnover intentions.

Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between job engagement and turnover intentions by introducing a new moderator: decent work.