Date of Conferral
3-26-2025
Date of Award
March 2025
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Franz Gottleib
Abstract
Employee retention in the behavioral health sector is a critical challenge that directly impacts the quality of care for clients and the long-term sustainability of healthcare organizations. Despite the importance of retention, some healthcare agency managers face difficulties in implementing effective strategies for retaining trained behavioral health professionals. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify strategies seven behavioral health agency managers in South Florida used to retain behavioral health professionals. Data gathered through semistructured interviews were thematically analyzed, leading to the identification of three themes: (a) a culture of appreciation, (b) instrumental influences, and (c) effective communication and alignment. A key recommendation is for organizational leaders to invest in leadership training for current managers to foster an environment of support, mentorship, and effective communication. The implications for positive social change include the potential to enhance organizational culture within behavioral health agencies, improve employee retention, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and ultimately promote better community health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
James, Nicola, "Strategies Behavioral Health Agency Managers Use to Retain Key Employees" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17499.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17499
