Date of Conferral

9-3-2026

Date of Award

September 2026

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Jorge Gaytan

Abstract

Failure to retain employees remains a significant concern for small information technology (IT) business leaders. Without clear, actionable strategies, these leaders may struggle to avoid the high costs associated with employee turnover, negatively affecting revenue. Grounded in situational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to identify and explore effective strategies small IT business leaders in Nigeria use to retain IT employees for business sustainability. Participants included seven small IT business leaders in Nigeria who had used effective strategies to retain employees. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and publicly available documentation. Six themes emerged from thematic analysis: (a) strategic compensation and welfare systems; (b) continuous learning and career advancement; (c) flexible and human-centered work practices; (d) organizational culture, trust, and employee belonging; (e) leadership communication and transparency; and (f) innovation, agility, and workforce sustainability. A key recommendation for small IT business leaders is to understand that while competitive compensation remains important, providing employees opportunities for professional development, support from leaders, recognition, and career progression substantially influence employees’ decisions to remain with an organization. Potential implications for positive social change may include increased revenue as a result of decreased employee turnover that may be used to invest in employee professional development and contribute to local economic development.

Download

Share

 
COinS