Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1992

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Communication

Major Professor

Norman Swan

Committee Members

Herb Howard, Greg Dobbins, Dhyana Ziegler

Abstract

This research tested the Bluedorn unified model of turnover in television newsrooms. The model suggests that two distinct thought processes lead individuals to consider leaving their present place of employment. One process predicts that demographics (age, race, sex, education, tenure, previous experience, etc.) and perceptions about job opportunities available elsewhere either lead to turnover (outside opportunities are perceived as high), or the decision to remain at the present job (outside opportunities are perceived as low). The second process suggests that demographics, expectations about the job, experiences within the present organization, satisfaction with the job, commitment to the organization, the search for another job, and intent to leave the present job lead to turnover decisions.

The model was applied to television newsrooms by means of a self-administered questionnaire distributed to newsroom personnel in five televisions stations located in four southeastern states. Each question in the 66-item questionnaire corresponded to one of the components contained in the model. Results were analyzed for reliability, following which questions corresponding to one of the components comprising the model were computed. Correlation iii and multiple regression analyzed processes and component parts. Results indicated limited support for the model.

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