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Post-exit loyalty : exploring the phenomenon, scale developing & testing its predictive value

Santee-Eekhuis, Jessica (2009) Post-exit loyalty : exploring the phenomenon, scale developing & testing its predictive value.

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Abstract:Alvesson (2000) described people who still feel attached to their former employer even after leaving. He labelled this phenomenon post-exit loyalty. This phenomenon is believed to have significant implications for the knowledge intensive industry in which networks and interorganizational linkages are crucial (Alvesson, 2000). So far prior research lacks empirical evidence of this phenomenon. There is no clear definition of the construct and no measurement is available. This study offered a first approach to explore phenomenon of post-exit loyalty. This research was divided in two studies: study 1, qualitative and study 2, quantitative. The purpose of these studies was to explore the post-exit relations between ex-employers and their ex-organizations. The objectives of the first study were: what is going on in this post-exit relationship and what are the affects of ex-employees towards their former organization. In order to reach these objectives, this study followed a qualitative approach, designed with multiple focus groups using an online electronic chat tool, MSN Web Messenger. 19 ex-employees of 7 organizations voluntarily participated in 7 chatsessions. Of these 7 sessions, 5 were based on a predetermined similar characteristic: tenure (short and long period), time-elapse after exit (short and long period) and the current position of the freelancer, and 2 “mixed” chats. Also (limited) data as collected from management perspective (2 managers from 2 organizations). Out of the qualitative analysis, two general categories of affects were identified: positive and negative affects towards former employer, and a more instrumental attachment to the former employer. Furthermore, the analysis revealed ex-employees benefiting the former employer from a mutual perspective: ex-employees should also benefit. Results also revealed a change over time: affects neutralize. The second study followed a quantitative approach. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure for the post-exit loyalty construct, validate it and to explore its consequences. The objectives of this study were: how can post-exit loyalty be measured and how predictive are its consequences. To reach these objectives, this second study included an online survey with a sample of 153 respondents of six Dutch consultancy organizations.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Clients:
EMC Leren in bedrijf
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Educational Science and Technology MSc (60023)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/60556
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