Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Theresa Neal
Abstract
Failure to retain seasoned acquisition employees negatively impacts an organization’s performance and outcomes. Managers need retention strategies to retain seasoned employees, as failure to retain seasoned employees results in capability gaps, decreased productivity, and increased expenses associated with recruiting and training new hires and transfers. Grounded in the social exchange theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies midlevel managers use to retain seasoned acquisition employees. The primary participants consisted of six midlevel federal acquisition managers of a federal agency who used strategies to retain seasoned acquisition employees. The secondary participants were five employees from the same organization supervised by midlevel federal acquisition managers. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with member checking follow-up, a focus group, a review of organizational policies and initiatives, and reflective journaling. Through thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (a) positive work environment, (b) employee engagement, (c) job satisfaction, (d) work-life balance, and (e) leadership. A key recommendation is for managers to create a positive work environment through: (a) respect for employees and their contributions, (b) open dyadic communication with employees, (c) support of employees, and (d) building trust through the alignment of words and actions. The implications for positive social change include the potential to facilitate inclusive work environments and retain highly qualified employees in critical positions.
Recommended Citation
Wells, Patricia Dianne, "Strategies to Retain Seasoned Federal Acquisition Employees" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14595.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14595
