To Quit Or Not To Quit: Voluntary Turnover Among English-Language Journalists in Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the voluntary turnover patterns of English-language journalists in Indonesia. Drawing on the unfolding model of voluntary employee turnover and the theory of job embeddedness, the study presents the findings of interviews with eighteen journalists (ten “leavers” and eight “remainers”). The study identifies seven determinants of job satisfaction (namely, the ability to realize journalistic ideals; professional development opportunities; pay; mentorship; organizational strategy; management attentiveness to recruitment and retention; and work-life balance). The study also highlights the “decision paths” taken by leavers leading up to their separation decisions, examining the “shocks” that prompted such decisions. Finally, the study assesses the job embededness of remainers and the likelihood of them remaining in their positions. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• English-language journalists
• Indonesia
• job embeddedness
• job satisfaction
• job seeking‌
• voluntary turnover
• work-life balance‌

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Duffy Fund, Missouri School of Journalism.