Turnover intention and job hopping behaviour of music teachers in Malaysia

Abstract

Wong Chyi Feng and Tay Angeline*

This study examines the extent to which perceived organizational support, employee exhaustion, job satisfaction, and affective commitment are related to the turnover intention and job hopping behaviour of music teachers. Results from a primary survey of 93 music teachers from private music schools around the Klang Valley in Malaysia showed that they were less likely to leave when they perceive their music schools supported them, and when they are job satisfied, and not emotionally exhausted from the pressures of teaching. Unlike their job hopping behaviour, the relationships between each of the three antecedents and the turnover intention of music teachers were mediated by their affective commitment to music schools. The music teachers were also not likely to job hop when they have a low perception of organizational support. Instead, they would job hop if they experience emotional exhaustion and are not job satisfied. This article also discusses some practical implications for owners and principals of music schools. It also reports the research limitations and provides suggestions for future research.