Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Pasty Kasen

Abstract

Voluntary employee turnover is a complex business problem that hurts organizations’ productivity and profits. High employee turnover rates require retail business leaders to implement strategies to help prevent employees from leaving their jobs. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore leadership strategies retail store managers use to reduce voluntary employee turnover. The participants included six retail managers from two mid-to-large retail food organizations in Chicago who successfully reduced voluntary employee turnover. Semistructured interviews and public company information were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Yin’s five-step method. Four themes were revealed: (a) leadership, (b) work environment, (c) rewards and recognition, and (d) training. A key recommendation for retail store managers is implementing a retention program that promotes a healthy work environment, monitors performance trends, and allows leaders to adopt supportive leadership styles. The implications for positive social change include the potential to minimize stress on the organization and other employees who inherit the work when coworkers leave. The local community may benefit because employees staying with their jobs supports their income stability, reduces the stress of job hunting, and causes less tension among family members and the community.

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