Effect of teachers’ gender, poor income, and poor working condition on teacher turnover intention and its impact in Saharti District, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Teacher turnover is a very serious challenge that causes a shortage of teachers and poor-quality education. The study was guided by the theory of hygiene factors to evaluate the effect of gender, poor income, and poor working conditions on teacher turnover intention and impact. This descriptive study collected data through questionnaires from 80 representatives. SPSS -20 AMOS- software, correlation, T-test, and SEM techniques were applied to analyze the data. Results indicated that there was a high teacher turnover intention and turnover impact in the Saharti district. Men teachers had a significantly higher turnover intention and turnover impact than their counterparts. SEM results revealed that teacher turnover intention was increased by 28.5% and 53.8% for every unit increase in poor working conditions and poor income respectively. Similarly, the turnover impact was increased by 48% and 54.6% for every unit increase in poor working conditions and income, respectively. The impact of teacher turnover was explained by turnover intention at 39%. The practical implication is teacher turnover intention and its impact can be reduced by improving teachers' income, and working conditions and giving due attention to genders. The study is original and contributes new insights to the research area on how hygiene factors affect teacher turnover impact through turnover intention. Education policymakers at all levels were advised to design teachers’ income improvement policies and working condition enhancement programs to keep teachers stay in their profession.