Modelling the Impact of Emotional Intelligence, Career Success and Happiness on Turnover Intention Among Managerial-level Employees in the Information Technology Industry

Abstract

Turnover is a major concern in the information technology (IT) industry. Using affective event theory (AET) and conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigates how employees’ emotional intelligence indirectly affects their turnover intention in India’s IT industry, specifically in northern part of India, through objective career success (salary) and subjective career success (career satisfaction). Furthermore, the underlying role of employee’s happiness at work between overall career success and turnover intention is investigated. Results suggest emotional intelligence to be negatively related to turnover intention via overall career success. In addition, happiness was found to be an underlying factor in the relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention. Furthermore, perceived career opportunities within the organization is explored as an essential boundary condition in employees’ decision to stay with their current employer. Finally, unique theoretical and practical contributions are offered for employers in the IT industry.