Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Anthony K. Fleming

Abstract

Factors of employee retention have been widely researched and examined. However, research on factors of retention in relation to youth-serving NPOs was limited. Turnover was an issue that many organizations face, but the impacts and implications of turnover for youth-serving nonprofits may be greater. Using Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation, this study identified the factors that local and national NPO employees in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern United States provided as to why they remained at or left NPOs. The aim of this study was to identify the motivator and/or hygiene factors that employees or former employees of NPOs provided in relation to retention factors. A qualitative study was conducted of six youth-serving nonprofits in the Mid-Atlantic region, and the data were used to help create a retention resource guide for nonprofits to incorporate into their businesses. Data were analyzed using pattern coding and data saturation, which allowed themes to emerge. Findings indicated a number of hygiene factors (e.g., employee benefits, organizational climate, and good leadership and support) would increase retention. The findings of this study may assist staff of youth-serving organizations with insight for creating strategic retention plans, and the data may be incorporated into current policies to help organizations incentivize their employees and boost morale. This research may create positive social change by helping organizational leaders be more intentional about retention strategies that positively contribute to creating organizational climates and cultures.

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