Factors influencing employee turnover intention in family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County
Date
2024
Authors
Kavindu, A. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Employee turnover has for long been a problem and costly affair for many organizations. Numerous studies on the reasons for employee turnover have been carried out with major focus on corporates. Whereas family-owned firms face challenges like limited opportunities for non-family employees, family feuds affecting workplace, and preferential treatment for family members, there is scarce information on turnover intention in family-owned businesses specifically those in the agricultural sector. Agribusinesses are faced with retention problem primarily due to the challenging agricultural environment. The study objectives were to investigate the influence of demographic factors, organizational factors and external factors on employee turnover intention in family-owned agribusinesses. The study anchors on two theories; The Adam’s Equity Theory and Herzberg’s Two Factory Theory. A descriptive research design approach was employed. The study was undertaken in three sub-counties within Kitui County; Mwingi West, Mwingi North and Mwingi Central. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study has a target population of 297 employees engaged by family-owned agribusinesses within the study area. 271 employees representing 91.2% of the population responded. Data was analyzed quantitatively using regression by examining the direction and significance of the coefficients. This focused on the theoretical interpretation of these findings. Multiple regression was applied to find correlations between variables under investigation and discussing how the variables were positively or negatively associated in addition to explaining the implications of these relationships in a theoretical manner. The study had several limitations. To start with, the research was constrained by a relatively small sample size, which limited the generalizability of the findings beyond the specific agribusinesses in Kitui County. In addition, the study relied on self-reported data from employees to assess factors influencing turnover intention. This introduced response bias which affected the accuracy and reliability of the results. The study findings show that of all the demographic characteristics, only marital status, salary in Kenya Shillings and tenure had statistically significant effects on employee turnover intention in family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County based on Levene statistic and Pearson correlation. Furthermore, analysis of variance shows that organizational factors and external factors could statistically and significantly predict turnover intentions among employees in family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County. This was reiterated by regression coefficients that marital statuses, organizational factors (Pay/remuneration/other benefits, nature of work/job stress, supervision, work environment and organization commitment) and, external factors (perceived alternative employment opportunities and job-hopping) were statistically significant. This shows that family obligations influenced turnover intentions. Also, the work environment and external allures influenced decisions to quit or remain in employment. The study recommends that it is important to have a favourable work environment to motivate employees to remain in employment in family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County. Family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County should put in place policies that guarantee adequate employee remuneration to support both individual and family needs. At the same time, these businesses should proactively compare their compensation and benefits with other industry peers to mitigate talent attrition to competitors. Likewise, they should enforce conducive workplace conditions and offer opportunities for personal development to ensure a favorable work environment. Further, implementing continuous benchmarking and improvement policies will enhance the family-owned agribusinesses' attractiveness to potential employees.
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Citation
Kavindu, A. D. (2024). Factors influencing employee turnover intention in family-owned agribusinesses in Kitui County [Strathmore University]. http://hdl.handle.net/11071/15518