An Examination of the Role of HRD in Voluntary Turnover in Public Service Organizations

In this study I examine the role of HRD, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in voluntary turnover decisions. A sample of managers from public service agencies who voluntarily left their job in the previous year is compared to a sample of currently employed managers in the same or equivalent position. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to determine if attitudes towards HRD were a factor in the turnover decision for those who voluntarily left and if it would be a factor in influencing turnover intentions in those currently employed in comparable positions. The level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment are also compared between the two groups of respondents. The implications of attitudes towards HRD and levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the decision to turnover among public service managers are examined along with recommendations for further research on the role of HRD in turnover decisions.