Assessing the Impact of Retention Strategies on Job Satisfaction and Faculty Commitment in Higher Education: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of retention strategies on job satisfaction and commitment in higher education, and to explore the mediating role of work engagement. A cross-sectional survey was designed with a sample of 150 faculty members working in higher education institutions. Data were obtained from the quantitative method of data collection through a questionnaire, and SPSS software was used to find out reliability, correlations, multiple regression, along with Hayes PROCESS Macro Model 4 for mediation. Testing results indicate that retention strategies had a significant influence on satisfaction and commitment of faculty members towards their work through the mediating mechanism of work engagement. It was observed that monetary rewards are not strongly linked to work engagement as perceived. Non-financial motives such as autonomy, career growth, work environment, recognition, etc., are strongly associated. Our research, therefore, has an aim to identify factors beyond financial aspects to enhance sustainable job satisfaction and retention of the faculty members and their long-term involvement with their organisations. Critical managerial implications for academic leaders to develop effective retention strategies in a manner that integrates retention strategies with faculty engagement and work outcomes in one cohesive framework.