Decent Work, Employee Satisfaction, and the Mediating Role of Social Courage in Reducing Turnover

OpenAlex English

This study investigates the relationships between decent work, job satisfaction, workplace social courage, and intent to quit among job and career counselors in Turkiye’s IT sector employment agency. The research data was obtained from 408 job and career counselors at an IT sector employment agency in Turkiye. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The study findings reveal a significant positive influence of decent work on job satisfaction. In contrast, job satisfaction is associated with a notable decrease in the likelihood of employees intending to quit their positions. Additionally, workplace social courage is crucial in reducing intent to quit. Furthermore, our research underscores the mediating roles of job satisfaction and workplace social courage in explaining the relationship between decent work and intent to quit. Intriguingly, it is noteworthy that higher levels of workplace social courage are unexpectedly linked to an increased intention to quit. Conversely, heightened job satisfaction is associated with an augmentation in workplace social courage. These findings carry substantial theoretical and practical implications, offering valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of decent work, job satisfaction, and social courage within the workplace context. These insights can contribute to avoiding intent to quit and minimizing turnover rates. Job satisfaction and social courage are two edge swords that organizations must cautiously follow up. This study emphasizes the significance of establishing a secure and nurturing work environment that fosters decent work, job satisfaction, and social courage.