Context-Emergent Turnover (CET) Theory: A Theory of Collective Turnover

Abstract

We develop a theory of collective turnover that emphasizes its microfoundation origins and unit-level consequences. Collective turnover is the quantity and quality of depletion of employee knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) from the unit, meaning that it is the collective loss of unit KSAOs. We ground our theory of collective turnover within the nomological network of human capital resources and resource-based theory. We then use this framework to examine the dynamic relationships between collective turnover and human capital resources and their effects on unit performance. We also describe the moderating impact of context (climate and environmental complexity) and time. Thus, we present context-emergent turnover (CET) theory.