A behavioural proxy model for employee turnover: Results from a Singapore study

Abstract

Employee turnover has attracted much publicity in Singapore. This research is concerned with (i) building a behavioural model consistent with prior research findings in this area and (ii) testing the model for explanatory power. The research was conducted in a large organisation with 300 subjects taking part in the survey. The model uses behavioural variables: seven variables of personal characteristics, and five factors in the Michigan Job Description Index. The dependent variable is the subject's score, on an interval scale, of intention to leave, which is a proxy for turnover. The findings of this research suggest that the model is able to explain a substantial portion of the variability of turnover intention with R2 at about 35 percent and a significant F-value. © 1988 School of Management National University of Singapore.