The Role of Entrepreneurial Orientations in Talent Retention Amongst Malaysian Engineers

Idris Osman,Koe Wei Loon,Fauziah Noordin,Idaya Husna Mohd

doi:10.32890/ijms.25.1.2018.10495

Idris Osman, Koe Wei Loon + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32890/ijms.25.1.2018.10495

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Abstract

This paper examines the linkage between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and talent retention amongst Malaysian engineers from the perspective of entrepreneurial orientation theory.A cross-sectional survey of 104 engineers from private organisations in Malaysia was conducted to test the hypothesised relationships between constructs. The population comprised graduate and professional engineers who were registered under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). The purposive sampling method was employed for data analysis purposes. Data was analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling technique. The results of this study indicated a significant relationship between innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, and competitive aggressiveness and the intention to stay (ITS). Autonomy was found not significant in predicting engineers’ ITS the same jobs. Engineers require EO to support their freedom of ideas and thoughts to exploit opportunities, produce creativity, and solve engineering task-related problems and uncertainty situations. EO dimensions can be used to predict engineers’ ITS current employments. This study provides crucial information for the organisations and policy makers to develop mechanisms and policies to enhance the engineers’ involvement of effective EO for increasing retention. Keywords: Engineers, Entrepreneurial orientation, Intention to stay, Talent, Malaysia

Highlights

Over thirty years ago, studies relating to behaviours, attitudes and traits had become a central issue underlying engineers’ complex behaviours and attitudes, career orientations, and employee shortages in the engineering sector (Abdull Rahman, 2012; Igbaria & Siegel, 1992; Igbaria, Kassicieh, & Silver, 1999; Kharbanda, & Stallworthy, 1990; and Williamson, Lounsbury, & Han, 2013)
A structural model of PLS examined each of the hypothesis to test the relationship between the constructs that operationalised as latent variables (LVs)
The present study was designed to fill the gaps in entrepreneurial orientation (EO) literature and its influence on talent retention amongst engineers in Malaysia

Summary

Introduction

Studies relating to behaviours, attitudes and traits had become a central issue underlying engineers’ complex behaviours and attitudes, career orientations, and employee shortages in the engineering sector (Abdull Rahman, 2012; Igbaria & Siegel, 1992; Igbaria, Kassicieh, & Silver, 1999; Kharbanda, & Stallworthy, 1990; and Williamson, Lounsbury, & Han, 2013). EO requires an engineer to optimise powerful technical knowledge and skills to develop capabilities and competencies to an extent that he or she can be an independent expert to solve engineering and non-engineering task-related problems. Evidence suggests that engineers’ EO is a crucial component in entrepreneurial process, successful entrepreneurial organisations and decisions to remain in one’s job tenure (Menzel, Aaltio, & Ulijn, 2007; Tremblay, Wils, & Proulx, 2002; Yang, Ma, & Hu, 2011). Engineers employ a high degree of autonomy to control engineering task-related problems and participate in decision-making processes (Kharbanda et al, 1990; Igbaria, et al, 1992; Tremblay, et al, 2002; Williamson et al, 2013)

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