The Development of Turnover Intentions in Top Management Teams: An Empirical Study and Research Model

Abstract

The development of turnover intentions is well-researched among regular employees. Top management team (TMT) turnover is peculiarly consequential but was mainly subject to static analysis of turnover antecedents. This paper develops a model of turnover intention development processes that includes TMT-specific antecedents of turnover intentions. We conducted multiple narrative interviews with nine former top managers. Our analyses suggest factors such as conflicts in corporate governance, finished agendas, commitment conflicts, unfavorable work/life circumstances and compelling alternatives to be the most prominent antecedents of turnover intentions. The study contributes to the literature by empirically identifying the antecedents of voluntary turnover intentions of TMT members and by integrating these factors in a research model that prioritises the different antecedents.