Job insecurity as a mediator between fearing COVID-19 and turnover intention: empirical evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose

The fear of COVID-19 has been identified as a significant predictor of adverse work-related outcomes. Grounded on conservation of resource theory, this study examines the impact of fear of COVID-19 on faculty members' job turnover intention (TI) and job insecurity, as well as the relationship between job insecurity and TI. Additionally, the authors investigate job insecurity as a potential mediating variable between the fear of COVID-19 and TI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from faculty members (n = 226) working in Pakistan's public sector universities and analysed through PLS-SEM using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results indicated that fear of COVID-19 was positively and significantly associated with both TI and job insecurity. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that job insecurity has a positive correlation with TI. In addition, the study's findings endorsed the mediating role of job insecurity between fear of COVID-19 and TI.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of addressing the fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity among faculty members, as they are significant predictors of TI. The findings suggest employers should prioritise providing a safe work environment and reducing uncertainty to retain their workforce during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature as it conceptualises the indirect mechanism that links fear of COVID-19 to TI and job insecurity and provides practical implications that may reduce faculty members' TI.

Citation

Kakar, A.S., Misron, A., Rauza, Meyer, N. and Durrani, D.K. (2023), "Job insecurity as a mediator between fearing COVID-19 and turnover intention: empirical evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 752-767. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-12-2022-0511