Leaders We Have A Problem!…It Is Employee Retention.

By: La’Shonte Iwundu

Qualitative Research DesignWilliam Allan Kritsonis, PhD - Professor

Abstract

This study examines the variables of school-work environment, employee motivation, and role of Human Resource Director. It also, studies how each variable plays a role to combat the major problem of decreased rate in employee retention.

Many districts will spend thousands of dollars every year developing new programs and training new employees to replace the ones who left the school organization or relocated to another district. The cost is more than what districts can afford.

Dissertation Proposal

I. Theoretical Framework

II. Purpose of the Study

III. Research Questions

IV. Review of Literature

V. Methodology

Theoretical Framework3 Big Ideas to Guide This Research

Employee Retention

Role of Human Resource Director

Work Environment

Employee Motivation

Purpose of the Study

The purpose was three-fold:1. Identify the factors contributing to the decrease rate

in employee retention.

2. This study will seek to discover what role Human Resource Management play in employee retention and what initiatives are HRD implementing to combat the issue of employee retention.

3. Finally, this will study will add to the body of research about the causes of the decreased rate in employee retention and strategies to address the issue.

Research Questions

1. What is the role of Human Resource Director (HRD)?

2. What initiatives are being implemented by the HRD to combat the issue of employee retention?

3. What factors contribute to low employee retention?

Null Hypothesis

H01There is no statistically significant relationship between employee motivation and employee retention.

H02There is no statistically significant relationship between the work environment and employee retention.

H03There is no statistically significant relationship between the Human Resource Director and employee retention.

Review of Literature

Money as a motivator does not work for everyone. W. Kritsonis,(personal communication, March 10,2007) says there are two characteristics about people and money. The two characteristics are : (1) People always feel entitled to more money and (2) Regardless of what pay, satisfaction is short lived.

If companies want to do something about low employee retention , then it is time to study the issue in-dept. According Nobscot Corporation, employee retention has become a key focus of human resource professionals (Kimball and Nink, 2006).

Review of Literature

The role of Human Resource Management professionals is changing (Heathfield, 2007). In the past, HR managers were often viewed as personnel who deals grievances, sexual harassment policy, and the paperwork that goes with the process of hiring and exiting of employees.The role of HR manager must parallel the needs of his or her changing organization (Heathfield, 2007).

Review of Literature

Managers should foster creativity within their work environment. I would have to agree with the use of this tactic when used for motivating others. By creating an environment in your company that fosters creativity, you can encourage employees to react and adapt as conditions change (Cortello, 2005, p.26).

Methodology

Correlation StatisticsPearson’s r

Qualitative Study –Semi-structured Interviews with Human

Resource directorsQuantitative Study –

AEIS & PEIMS ReportStaff Climate Survey

Variables

Independent Variables Role of Human Resource DirectorWork EnvironmentEmployee Motivation

Dependent Variable Employee Retention

Method

Subjects of the StudyAll accessible Human Resource Directors in

Houston, TexasAll accessible school employees in

Houston, Texas (teachers, para-professionals, and classified employees)

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the main goal of improving employee retention rate is to improve the quality of education for our children.

-La’Shonte Iwundu

References

Cortello, C. (2005). Fostering Creativity. Industrial Engineer, 10, p.26.

Heathfield, S. M. (n.d.). Q. What Does a Human Resources Manager, Generalist, or Director Do?. About.com, , . Retrieved 06/28/07, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/jobdescriptions/f/hr_job_mgr.htm

Kimball, S. L., & Nink, C.E. (2006). How to Improve Employee Motivation, commitment, Productivity,

Well- Being and Safety. Corrections Today, 68, p.66.

Texas State Board for Educator certification (SBEC) (2000, November 2000). The cost of Teacher Turnover. Texas Center for Educational Research, , pp.1-2.