Retention of Direct Care Professionals Supporting Intellectually Disabled Individuals

Retention of Direct Care Professionals Supporting Intellectually Disabled Individuals by Melanie Opalka-Bentler MBA, Wilkes University, 2003 BS, University of Scranton, 2001 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University June 2016 Abstract In the health and human service industry, employee turnover affects business practices and causes disruption of the lives of vulnerable individuals with intellectual disabilities receiving support. Using a human capital conceptual framework perspective, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies used to increase employee retention. The criteria for participation included organizational leaders from 3 Pennsylvania human service agencies that supported individuals with intellectual disabilities, tracked employee turnover for at least 2 years, and developed strategies to increase employee retention. Organizational leaders volunteered to participate and the first 3 organizations meeting the criteria were selected. Data collection included semistructured telephone interviews with organizational leaders, in addition to a review of company policies and turnover data. The interviews were transcribed and participants were asked to member check the draft findings. Constant comparison analysis occurred to analyze collected data. The findings included that the human capital theory alone did not inform retention strategies. Reoccurring themes included retention strategies that focused on developing the organization’s intellectual capital through development of human capital, structural capital, and relational capital. Organizational leaders could develop intellectual capital to reduce employee turnover costs, increase employee productivity, create a stable life for the individuals in need of support, and develop relationships with the community where integration occurs. The implications for positive social change include the potential to reduce employee turnover to organizational leaders from Pennsylvania agencies supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.In the health and human service industry, employee turnover affects business practices and causes disruption of the lives of vulnerable individuals with intellectual disabilities receiving support. Using a human capital conceptual framework perspective, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies used to increase employee retention. The criteria for participation included organizational leaders from 3 Pennsylvania human service agencies that supported individuals with intellectual disabilities, tracked employee turnover for at least 2 years, and developed strategies to increase employee retention. Organizational leaders volunteered to participate and the first 3 organizations meeting the criteria were selected. Data collection included semistructured telephone interviews with organizational leaders, in addition to a review of company policies and turnover data. The interviews were transcribed and participants were asked to member check the draft findings. Constant comparison analysis occurred to analyze collected data. The findings included that the human capital theory alone did not inform retention strategies. Reoccurring themes included retention strategies that focused on developing the organization’s intellectual capital through development of human capital, structural capital, and relational capital. Organizational leaders could develop intellectual capital to reduce employee turnover costs, increase employee productivity, create a stable life for the individuals in need of support, and develop relationships with the community where integration occurs. The implications for positive social change include the potential to reduce employee turnover to organizational leaders from Pennsylvania agencies supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Retention of Direct Care Professionals Supporting Intellectually Disabled Individuals by Melanie Opalka-Bentler MBA, Wilkes University, 2003 BS, University of Scranton, 2001 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University June 2016 Dedication I would like to dedicate my DBA study to my daughter Mariah. I want Mariah to know that anything is possible when you work hard, dream big, and put your faith in God. I hope my accomplishments compel Mariah to achieve great things in life. My wish is for Mariah is to see me as a role model and realize that the future is bright and great things exist ahead. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I need to acknowledge my committee chair, Dr. Denise Land. Your guidance and leadership allowed me to reach this milestone. I am blessed that I had you for my chair from the begin. Secondly, I need to acknowledge my second committee member, Dr. Charles Needham. Your detailed feedback assisted with fine-tuning my study. Dr. Patsy Kasen, as my URR, I would like to acknowledge your time and attention to reviewing my study and ensuring I maintained high academic standards. Finally, a thank you to Dr. Freda Turner, as the DBA program director. I also need to recognize my family and friends who aided me in reaching this momentous point in my life. My mom, who is my biggest cheerleader, pushing me to reach beyond what I ever thought I could accomplish. One of the smartest men I know, my dad, has taught me that knowledge does not only come from a piece a paper in a frame. My sister, Michele, who will always be the wind beneath my wings making me soar higher. My sister, Marissa, taught me to reach outside of my comfort zone. My friend and workmate, Rachel, continues as my go to girl. I cannot thank Rachel enough for listening to all my complaining during the down times and celebrating with me during the high times. My friends Jeff and Dan have taught me that friendships could exist even in online learning environment. I need to acknowledge Dr. Jason, Dr. Bill, Dr. Owen, and Dr. Michael, who were the shoulders I stood on to achieve this degree. Finally, I need to acknowledge my wonder and loving husband. He went along with me on the roller coaster ride of emotions during my DBA journey. My husband continues to support me through the ups and down. I thank you all for everything you have done for me.