The relationship between diversity climate perceptions and turnover intentions

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between diversity climate perceptions and turnover intention among knowledge workers in the South African nuclear industry. The researcher hypothesised that race will moderate the above-mentioned relationship (Hypothesis 1), and organisational commitment will mediate the same relationship (Hypothesis 2). The research problem was a challenge seemingly facing South African businesses regarding Black knowledge worker retention. The research was a quantitative, cross-sectional study, and was a replication of a study conducted in the United States of America (USA). Data was collected by means of a questionnaire, which was e-mailed to subjects selected randomly from strata of Black and White knowledge workers. In total, 128 questionnaires were e-mailed to subjects, out of a population of 143. Multiple regression methods for testing moderator and mediator effects were used to test the hypotheses. The response rate was 56% (N=72). From the data collected, there was sufficient evidence in support of hypothesis 1. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. Data collected did not support hypothesis 2 for the two race groups analysed together. However, when race was controlled for, mediation of the above-mentioned relationship was found among Whites. There was no evidence for mediation among Blacks. Copyright