Affective mechanisms linking role ambiguity to employee turnover

Abstract

Purpose

This study relied on the job demands and resource model to understand employees’ turnover intentions. Recent studies have consistently lent support for the significant association between role ambiguity and turnover intentions; however, only a handful of studies focused on examining the potential mediators in this association. The authors argued that role ambiguity positively influences turnover intentions through affective mechanisms: job involvement and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model, a large sample of working adults participated (N = 505).

Findings

Structural equation modeling results showed that role ambiguity, job involvement and job satisfaction were significantly associated with turnover intentions. Moreover, a serial mediation was found among the variables: employees with low levels of role ambiguity tended to report higher job involvement, which further increased their satisfaction with the job and subsequently decreased their turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design is a limitation.

Practical implications

Practical suggestions regarding how organizations can reduce employee turnover are discussed.

Originality/value

The findings provide support for theory-driven interventions to address developing the intention to stay at work among working adults.