Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Committee Chair
Elizabeth Jones
Abstract
Employee retention remains a significant organizational challenge, particularly in the post-COVID-19 workplace where employees increasingly seek meaningful support, recognition, and workplace well-being in addition to compensation. Guided by Herzberg et al.’s (1959) Two-Factor Theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how employees perceive management support and how those perceptions influence decisions to remain with or resign from an organization. The study was conducted using a qualitative descriptive design involving 12 semi-structured interviews with individuals who had voluntarily resigned from organizations across multiple employment sectors. A follow-up focus group was conducted to confirm and validate emerging findings. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the interviews and were subsequently confirmed through the focus group: (a) Supportive Leadership Fostered Employee Loyalty and Emotional Commitment, (b) Recognition and Appreciation Increased Employee Motivation and Workplace Satisfaction, (c) Communication Quality Shaped Organizational Climate and Employee Trust, (d) Poor Conflict Management and Organizational Instability Contributed to Employee Dissatisfaction, (e) Resignation Decisions Were Multifaceted and Extended Beyond Compensation, and (f) Trust, Autonomy, and Empowerment Strengthened Professional Identity and Retention Intentions. Findings indicated that compensation alone was insufficient to explain employee retention decisions. Instead, leadership behaviors, workplace relationships, communication practices, psychological safety, and employee empowerment were identified as primary factors influencing organizational commitment and turnover intentions. The study supports Herzberg et al.’s distinction between hygiene factors and motivators and provides practical recommendations for organizations seeking to improve employee retention through supportive leadership and employee-centered workplace cultures.
Recommended Citation
Lomax, Stacia Leach, "Beyond the Paycheck: An Exploration of the Role of Management and Leadership Support in Employee Retention" (2026). Doctor of Education Dissertations. 292.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education-dissertations/292
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