FACTORS INFLUENCING EMPLOYEE RETENTION AMONG LECTURERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Department of Business Management and Accounting, Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Alor Setar, Malaysia Employee turnover among lecturers in Malaysia is a significant issue that can result in a loss of talent and experience, decreased productivity, and increased costs for recruitment and training of new staff. The literature suggests that low salaries and benefits and a lack of career growth opportunities are the main reasons for high employee turnover among lecturers in Malaysia. These factors can lead to a lack of job satisfaction, and motivation, and a feeling of career stagnation, resulting in many lecturers intending to leave their current institutions. This paper aims to present a conceptual paper on the factors influencing employee retention among lecturers in Malaysia. The study draws on various sources, including academic studies and surveys, to identify the main factors contributing to employee turnover and the costs associated with it. This paper also provides insights into the challenges faced by universities in retaining their lecturers and the need to implement strategies to improve retention. The study highlights the importance of addressing the issues of low salaries and benefits and the lack of career growth opportunities to improve lecturer retention in Malaysia. The study suggests that universities need to develop retention strategies that offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career growth to retain their lecturers. By doing so, universities can reduce the costs associated with employee turnover and ensure that they have experienced and talented lecturers to deliver high-quality education and research.