INVESTIGATING THE ANTECEDENTS OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER INTENTIONS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: EVIDENCE FROM KITWE, ZAMBIA
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Abstract
This study investigated the antecedents of employee turnover intentions in the hospitality industry in Kitwe, Zambia, with work-life balance examined as a mediating variable. Guided by Conflict Theory and Role Scarcity Theory, the study adopted a positivist paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 257 hospitality employees using a structured questionnaire and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity, with composite reliability and AVE values exceeding 0.50. The findings revealed that job autonomy, supervisor support, and work schedule flexibility, positively influenced work-life balance. Furthermore, work-life balance significantly reduced employee turnover intentions. However, mediation analysis indicated that work-life balance did not significantly mediate the relationships between the antecedent variables and turnover intentions. The study contributes to employee retention literature by highlighting the importance of supportive workplace practices that enhance work-life balance and reduce turnover intentions in the hospitality sector.
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