Date of Conferral

8-12-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Ashley Riebel

Abstract

A lack of employee engagement strategies to increase worker retention is a concern for managers in the retail industry. This problem is important because without such strategies, organizations may experience turnover, which undermines operational stability, customer experience, and profitability. Grounded in employee engagement theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore effective employee engagement strategies that retail managers use to increase employee retention. Participants were six retail managers in the southern United States, each with at least 3 years of experience managing employees. Data sources consisted of semistructured interviews, public documents, and related studies. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (a) establishment of personal connections; (b) provision of rewards and recognition; (c) creation of a positive environment; and (d) engagement in open, consistent, two-way communication. A key recommendation is for retail managers to adopt a people-centered leadership approach that strengthens personal connections with employees; consistently recognizes performance; fosters a positive, supportive work environment; and promotes open, two-way communication to build trust, motivation, and organizational commitment. The implications for positive social change include the potential for retail managers to enhance employee well-being, job satisfaction, and economic stability by creating healthier work environments; reducing workplace stress and turnover; and supporting stronger relationships among employees, managers, and the communities they serve.

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