Date of Conferral
8-21-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Bridget Dewees
Abstract
Employee retention challenges continue to affect the operational sustainability of hair salons. Hair salon owners and leaders are concerned about employee retention because it directly affects their ability to sustain business operations. Grounded in Wayne McPhee’s sustainable activity model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore the strategies hair salon owners and leaders used to retain employees and sustain business operations. Participants included eight hair salon owners or leaders who had successfully retained employees and sustained business operations for at least 5 years. Data from semistructured interviews with the participants were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis approach. Two key themes were identified: structured retention practices and supportive leadership culture. A key recommendation for hair salon owners and leaders is to mentor their hairstylists and establish clear expectations to increase employee commitment and reduce turnover. The implications for positive social change include the potential to establish stable and supportive salon environments that promote employee well-being, strengthen connections between salon businesses and their local communities, and foster more positive social interactions with clients.
Recommended Citation
Bynum, Taylor, "Effective Employee Retention Strategies Used by Hair Salon Leaders to Sustain Business Operations" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20725.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20725
