LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION AND VOLUNTARY TURNOVER AMONG NURSES: A TEST OF TWO MODELS (JOB SATISFACTION).
Contributors: University of Cincinnati.
Published: 1985
Number of pages: 258
Subjects: Psychology, Social.
Description: This study examined the relationships among demographic and attitudinal factors and their impact on two decision processes related to women's work behavior. Multivariate path models were developed for the decision to participate in the work force and intentions to stay or leave a current position. Data used to test the models were collected from 481 nurses in an eight county area of Southwest Ohio.

The literature on women's behavior in the work force has separated the two decisions (participation and turnover) in terms of the factors which influence them. The decision to work has been viewed primarily as a determinant of family related factors (i.e., fertility behavior, sex role attitudes). On the other hand, turnover behavior among women workers has been linked to job satisfaction and other work related factors.

The models developed in this research represent an effort to test larger, complex models and more adequately address issues of multicolinearity among the independent variables. This research also examined the convergence of the two decision models by comparing the impact of several variables found in both models.

The findings of the research generally support existing literature and the models proposed in this study. The number of preschool children was the most important determinant of employment status and job satisfaction demonstrated the strongest relationship with intentions to stay in a job. Financial need and age had significant impacts on both decision models. Age, however, was found to have both positive and negative influences on the models. Education and sex role attitudes were also significant contributors to both models.

Measures of job autonomy/control and career expectations/commitment were both significant determinants of job satisfaction but had no direct impact on intent to stay in a job.

In general, the findings indicated some convergence of the two models as they are affected by age and financial need.

The findings have several implications for nursing and the future supply of nurses. Overall, the impact of family responsibilities and financial need may indicate that prevailing economic conditions and norms for family size and childrearing practices have the greatest influence on the supply of nurses and their movement within the work force. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-02, Section: B, page: 0852.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, 1985.

School code: 0045.