Date of Conferral

10-7-2025

Degree

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

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Janie Hall

Abstract

Millennial employees are likely to leave their jobs when work preferences are unmet. The problem is that business leaders often lack effective leadership strategies to retain millennial employees, which can hamper the productivity and profitability of their organization. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to explore effective leadership strategies to improve millennial employee retention rates. The participants were eight experienced business leaders who successfully led and retained millennial employees. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of publicly available resources. Utilizing Braun and Clarke’s six-stage thematic analysis model, four themes emerged: adaptive leadership approaches, employee relationship building, fostering growth and development, and employee engagement. Business leaders could study and embody the transformational leadership theory to reduce millennial employee turnover. A key recommendation is for business leaders to look beyond their generational cohort identity and implement adaptive leadership strategies to increase millennial employee retention. The implications for positive social change include the potential for organizational leaders to improve workforce stability, thereby reducing reliance on unemployment benefits and public assistance while fostering long-term economic well-being.

Download

Share

 
COinS