Effects of Organizational Variables, Fear of Covid-19 and Despotic Leadership on Turnover Intention of Faculty Amongst Private Sector University in Karachi

Abstract

Amidst the academic landscape, faculty retention is a critical concern, with despotic leadership emerging as a significant factor contributing to adverse emotions and turnover intentions among educational professionals. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study delves into the nuanced interplay between fear of COVID-19, despotic leadership, and turnover intention among university faculty members. The rationale stems from the need to understand how these factors collectively shape the workforce dynamics in educational institutions. They explore the mediating role of COVID-19 and despotic leadership in influencing faculty turnover intentions. A comprehensive survey involving three hundred faculty members reveals the intricate relationships within this triadic framework. The findings indicate that while fear of COVID-19 significantly impacts turnover intention, despotic leadership contributes negatively. Participants, comprising predominantly male faculty members aged between thirty and fifty, underscore the diverse demographic representation in the study. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for university administrations, emphasizing the importance of support mechanisms to alleviate fear and job stress among faculty. The study employs a linear regression model. The study further investigates the moderating effect of the fear of COVID-19 on the relationship between staff burnout and psychological distress. The analysis reveals a positive correlation between turnover intention salary structure, work-life balance, and despotic leadership, highlighting the multifaceted nature of these influences.