Date of Conferral

7-27-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Warren Lesser

Abstract

Employee retention remains a critical challenge for hospital leaders because high turnover can contribute to workforce instability, increased organizational costs, and poor patient care quality. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore effective strategies that hospital leaders in Texas use to increase employee retention. The participants were six former hospital leaders in Texas's eastern and southern regions who had successfully implemented employee retention strategies. This research project was grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and publicly available documents. The data were analyzed utilizing Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis process, and three major themes were identified: (a) leadership practices that support employee retention, (b) motivational factors influencing retention, and (c) workplace conditions impacting employee retention. A key recommendation for hospital leaders is to devise a comprehensive employee recognition program to boost employee satisfaction and retention. The implications for positive social change include the potential for enhancing the quality of care to increase personal dignity and quality of life for local citizens.

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