index
index
Abstract
The question of employee turnover has come to gain greater attention especially in this 21st century
where organizations all over the world, in various industries, have faced this problem at some stages of
their evolution (Zahra et al 2013). Hitherto, organizational studies suggest that intentions to leave are
important for organizations and researchers because once people have actually implemented the
behavior to quit; there is little likelihood of gaining access to them to understand their prior situation
(Juhdi et al 2011). A turnover intention is a mental decision prevailing between an individual’s approach
with reference to a job whether to continue or leave the job (Jacobs and Roodt, 2007). In other words,
it represents conscious and deliberate willingness to leave the organization (Tett and Meyer, 1993).
Ongori (2007) contended that the meaning of turnover intention is the plan to leave an organization, and
this appears to be the immediate antecedent to actually quitting. Turnover intention is a psychological
variable of the tendency to leave that is closely related to turnover (Janseen, 1999). Mobley (1982)
describes employee turnover as the cessation of membership in an organization by an individual who
received monetary compensation from the organization. Several researchers have pointed out that
turnover intention is commonly endorsed in the literature as a predictor of turnover The changes occurred
in the theory of management has also significantly affected the attitude of organizations to their workers.
The management paradigm, which until the mid of 20th century was under the influence of the “classical
organization theory”, considered organizations as “closed-mechanical” systems and its workers as
mere elements composing them. This approach tended to see them as parts of a machine rather than
socio-psychological beings. Any lack of productivity or mistake of a worker was repaired by simply
removing this worker and bringing a new one in his place. In this approach workers had no importance
as “individuals” at all and their contribution to the organization was limited strictly to their job
description. This attitude of the management reflected on the workers, causing that these were not trying
to become more useful for the organization. When found a better job they used to quit their
organizations to new one and to stay there until they find even better.
Key Words: The management paradigm, socio-psychological beings. “Classical organization theory,
Turnover intention, psychological variable, monetary compensation, lack of productivity.
INTRODUCTION:
Organizational commitment has a long history, and has been the subject of a great deal of research and
empirical attention both as a consequence and an antecedent of other work-related variables of interest.
It has also an important place in the study of organizational behavior and evolved as a wide range of
‘types’ (e.g. engagement, attachment, commitment, involvement) within a wide spectrum of foci (e.g.
work, job, career, profession/ occupation, organization, union), while studies on commitment varied
between the categories of behavioral, attitudinal and motivational within three broad research streams
through sociological, industrial/organizational psychology and health psychology (Roodt, 2004a). It has
been studied in the public, private, and non-profit sector, and more recently internationally.
Organizations implement various policies to overcome the commitment problem. In essence of this
effort, more duty-bound, more hardworking for the organizational goals and more consistent with the
organization position of the individuals with higher organizational commitment.
Organizational commitment goes beyond the classical concept of commitment. It implies a more active
commitment. Employees are willing to give their personal contribution to the well-being of the
organization. Therefore, the organizational commitment reflects not only on their expressions and
statements but also appears in their acts and deeds (Mow day, Steers and Porter, 1979: 226).
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Organizational commitment is a feeling of dedication, willingness to go the extra mile, and an intention
to stay with the organization for a long period of time (Meyer & Allen, 1988; 1991). It means loyalty
and intention to stay with the organization. Organizational commitment refers to an employee’s
willingness to exert extra effort within the organization (Bateman &Strasser, 1984). It is the factor that
promotes the attachment of the individual to the organization. Organizational commitment is the strength
of an individual’s identification with and involvement in an organization (Mow day, 1998).
Affective Commitment
Organizational Turnover
Continuous Commitment Commitment Intention
Normative Commitment
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Objective of the study
General Objective
The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of organizational commitment on employees
turnover intention particularly with reference to Administrative staff (employees) working at Hawassa
University.
Specific Objectives
For this purpose, the researcher addresses the following specific objectives.
1. To assess the perception of employee towards the three dimensions organizational commitment (AC,
CC & NC) & turnover intention among Administrative staff of the university.
2. To evaluate the level of organizational commitment and turnover intentions among Administrative
staff in the university.
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3. To analyze (investigate) the relationship between organizational commitment and turnover
intentions among Administrative staff.
4. To show the effect of organizational commitment (affective commitment, continuous commitment
and normative commitment) on turnover intention among Administrative staff of the university.
Research Design
This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and Cross-sectional study type. This is so
because this method enabled the researchers to carefully analyze the sampled population with a view to
inferring the relationship and the effect of the dimension of organizational commitment on turnover
intentions among administrative staff at Hawassa University.
Research Approach
The q u a n t i t a t i v e research approach was selected for this study. This research approach was
selected mainly due to the need to address the research questions already determined. Deductions
about relations between variables are made, without direct intervention, from the associated variation
of independent and dependent variables.
Table 1: Stratified Sample of respondents from a population of 3639 Administrative staff with
the response rate
No Campus Total Population (Pi) % Sample size (ni) Response Response rate (%)
1 MC 1624 45 154 135 82
2 ACA 267 7 25 25 100
3 Awada 291 8 28 28 100
4 IOT 312 9 30 30 100
5 WCFNR 544 15 52 52 100
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6 HCMHS 601 17 57 57 100
Total 3639(N) 100 346(n) 327 94.5
Sources and method of data collection
In this study, both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Primary data was collected by
using questionnaire and it was selected because it has and advantages of low cost, saving in time,
respondents have adequate time to give well thought answers. Questionnaires are very convenient for
collecting factual data and are usually easy to analysis.
Table 4.2.1 The mean value and one sample t-test Anlysis of Affective Commitment
N Mean Std. Std. T Df Sig. Mean 95%
Deviatio Error (2- Differenc Confidence
n Mean tailed e Interval of
) the
Statements/propositio
Difference
ns
Upper
Lowe
r
I would be very happy
to spend the rest of my 32 3.198 .0723 32 .056
1.30840 2.747 .006 .19878 .3411
career with the 7 8 5 6 4
university.
I enjoy discussing
32 3.443 .0733 32 .299
about my university 1.32543 6.050 .000 .44343 .5876
7 4 0 6 2
with people outside it.
I really feel as if this
university problem is 32 3.969 .0666 14.54 32 .838 1.100
1.20543 .000 .96942
my own. 7 4 6 3 6 3 6
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I am proud to work for 32 3.795 .0700 11.34 32 .657
1.26694 .000 .79511 .9329
this University. 7 1 6 9 6 3
Source: Survey Result 2016
The first dimension of organizational commitment model is affective commitment, which represents an
emotional attachment, identification, and involvement that an employee has with its organization and
goals (Mow day et al, 1997, Meyer& Allen, 1993; O’Reily & Chatman). Moreover, Dunham, Grube,
and Castaneda (1994) states that employees with affective commitment are ready to make sacrifices for
the sake of their organization and won’t envisage leaving it.
Based on the above theory from the literature review, the above table 4.2.1 presents the mean scores,
standard deviations and t-value scores of respondents’ responses for their level of commitment with
respect to their affective commitment dimension of organizational commitment while working in the
university. Respondents, to whom the questionnaire was administered, were asked to rate their level
of agreement with the seven major elements of affective commitment dimension. Accordingly, the
respondents have answered the questions and returned the questionnaire back. As one can easily see
and understand from the above table, the issue that deals about if the employees really feel as if the
university problem is their own has got the highest score( mean score of 3.9694and SD of 1.20543)
as compared to other elements included in this dimension. This score shows that the respondents have
agreed as the mean score for the statement is in between the range of 3.41-4.20 (Best, 1977).
The respondents also have agreed when they are questioned whether the university has a great deal
of personal meaning to them (mean score of 3.8135 and SD of 1.22552), if they enjoy discussing
about their university with people outside it (with mean score of 3.4434 and SD of 1.32543), if they
feel like a part of the family in the university with mean score 3.6575 and SD of 1.28898), if they
work in the university with good grace and if they are proud to work for the university with(mean
score of 3.5076 and SD of 1.27714, and mean score of 3.7951 and SD of 1.26694) respectively.
However, employees are neutral as the (mean score is in between 2.61-3.4) if they would be very
happy to spend the rest of their career with the university because their mean scores is 3.198 and SD
of 1.3084 (Best, 1977). This implies that most respondents response fall in the agree domain for
affective commitment except for the first statement/ propositions. This shows that employees have
emotional attachment and identification with university.
Table 4.2.2 The mean value and one sample t-test Analysis of Continuance Commitment
N Mean Std. Std. t Df Sig. Mean 95%
Deviatio Error (2- Differenc Confidence
n Mean tailed e Interval of
Statements/propositio
) the
ns
Difference
Lowe Uppe
r r
It would be very hard
for me to leave my
3.152 .0714 32
university right now, 1.29221 2.140 .033 .15291 .0123 .2935
327 9 6 6
even if I wanted to.
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Quitting this
university
/organization will put 32 2.697 .0745 - 32 - -
1.34874 .000 -.30275
me in a difficult 7 2 9 4.059 6 .4495 .1560
financial position.
Table 4.2.3 The mean value and one sample t-test Anlysis of Normative Commitment
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Lowe Uppe
r r
I believe that a
person must always -
32 2.342 .0826 - 32 -
be loyal to his or her 1.49400 .000 -.65749 .495
7 5 2 7.958 6 .8200
organization. 0
Jumping from
organization to
32 3.697 .0740 32 .843
organization does not 1.33961 9.412 .000 .69725 .5515
7 2 8 6 0
seem at all unethical
to me.
One of the major
reasons I continue to
work in this
university is that I
32 3.633 .0724 32 .490 .775
believe loyalty is 1.31060 8.734 .000 .63303
7 0 8 6 4 6
important and
therefore feel a sense
of obligation to
remain.
If I got another offer
for a better job
elsewhere I would - -
32 2.785 .0801 - 32
not feel it was right 1.44958 .008 -.21407 .371 .056
7 9 6 2.670 6
to leave my 8 4
university.
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Table 4.2.4 The mean value and one sample t-test Anlysis of Turnover Intention
N Mean Std. Std. T df Sig. Mean 95%Confiden
Deviati Error (2- Differe ce Interval of
on Mean tailed) nce the Difference
Statements/propositions
Lowe Upper
r
I think about quitting 1.3924 -
327 3.1346 .07700 1.747 326 .082 .13456 .2860
my job across my mind. 4 .0169
I often search for better 1.1284 17.25 1.0764
327 4.0765 .06240 326 .000 .9537 1.1992
job opportunities. 0 1 5
Turnover
327 3.5619 .96059 .05312 10.578 326 .000 .56193 .4574 .6664
Intention
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3.5619 and SD of 0.96059 and followed by organizational commitment with a mean score 3.2575
and SD 0.62729.
The turnover intention variable mean scores is in between the range of 3.41-4.20 (Best, 1977), and
it can be said that respondents have agreed with the statements about turnover intention
questionnaires. And according to Best, respondents have come to be ‘indifferent or neutral’ with
the organizational commitment variables with a mean score 3.2575.
Therefore, one can say that, respondents have an intention to leave the university as their response
lies in agree domain. The result from the above table, at the same time, shows that there is some
kind of doubt or neutral with the employees with regards to organizational commitment.
So, the study has hinted on the need to develop employees’ organizational commitment as it was
found to influence turnover intention. As organizational commitment level was only moderate or
neutral, there is a need for the university to seek ways to increase organizational commitment
among its employees. This is important as employees who are less committed may likely route their
commitment in other directions and tend to seek job opportunities elsewhere.
Conclusion
The aim of this study was to examine the level and effect of organizational commitment on
employees’ turnover intention in the case Hawassa University administrative staff. It also asses the
perception of employee towards organizational commitment and turnover intention. Moreover it
addresses the relationship between organizational commitment and turnover intentions. It also
attempted to measure whether the administrative staff (employee) in the university differ in their
feeling of organizational commitment and turnover intention with respect to their gender, age,
educational status, years of stay in the university, salary level and marital status. To achieve this
objective, questionnaires were used to collect data from administrative employees at Hawassa
university. After the necessary data were collected from employees at the university, the researcher
has analyzed and interpreted them in chapter four. Based on the analyzed and interpreted data in
chapter four, the following conclusions are drawn as follows. The result of the research shows that
respondents have an intention to leave the university as their response lies in agree domain. And,
at the same time even though it looks the respondents have affective commitment to the university;
employees ‘continuous and normative commitment is in questionable in particular; and
organizational commitment in general. It also shows that correlation coefficient results indicated
insignificant and small negative correlation between affective commitment and turnover intention;
whereas significant and positive correlation with Continuous commitment and turnover
intention; and small and positive correlation between normative commitment and turnover
intention. The result of regression analysis also shows that affective commitment negatively or inversely
predicts turnover intention while continuance commitment showed statistically significant and
positive relationship with turnover intention. However, normative commitment showed
statistically insignificant positive relationship with turnover intention. The result of organizational
commitment and turnover intention with respect to demographic characteristics (age, gender,
service year , educational qualification and marital status) is analyzed and the result shows that
there is there is no significance difference on the perception of organizational commitment and
turnover intention with regards to gender i.e., male and Female. With regards to age group there is
no significant difference among age groups in terms of organizational commitment which falls on
neutral except with the age group 60 years & above which lies on agree domain; and has no
difference with regards to turnover intention which inclined to agree domain. The result of
independent sample t test shows that employees with educational status of Grade 10 & below, and
PhD holder have higher Organizational commitment and indifferent for turnover intention for
grade 10 & below. It is also possible to understand employees with service year 31 and above are
at agree domain for organizational commitment and turnover intention questionnaires; similarly
employees with less than one year service have more intention to leave the university when
compares to the other. The result of the analysis also shows that the majority of the respondents
are indifferent or neutral towards organizational commitment with the reference to their salary
level except for the salary level 582-1000 ETB which falls under agree domain. Moreover
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regarding marital status there is considerable difference for divorced and widowed employees with
regards to organizational commitment and turnover intention.
Recommendations
The result of the research shows that respondents inclined to intention to leave the university as their
response lies in agree domain. And, at the same time even though it looks the respondents have
affective commitment to the university; continuous commitment is somewhat in questionable or
neutral.
Moreover normative commitment was not statistically significant at (Beta =0.106, p>0.05). And this
makes some kind of doubt or neutral with the administrative employees with regards to
organizational commitment in general. So, the study has implied the need to develop employees’
organizational commitment as it was found to influence turnover intention. As organizational
commitment level was only neutral, there is a need for the university to seek ways to increase
organizational commitment among its employees. This is important as employees who are less
committed may likely route their commitment in other directions and tend to seek job
opportunities elsewhere.
Thus, it is suggested that the university develops human resource strategies that enhance
(strengthen) employees’ continuous commitment. Among others employee’s continuous
commitment is related with cost benefit that an organization offers so that attention should be given
to anything that can increase employees financial benefit/gain and reduce their cost. Hence
implement incentives strategy and other motivational tools, better payment comparable with labour
market, promotion opportunity, implement a system that enable to recognize, praise and reward
employees good performance and others. Moreover as normative commitment is related with
employees’ moral obligation the university should give attention to invest on employees as valuable
resources with the purpose of winning their moral obligation to stay.
Finally, implementing the above recommendations helps to strengthen employees’ continuous
commitment and normative commitment in particular; and organizational commitment in general to
minimize intention to leave.
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