Modeling the Job Embeddedness of Knowledgeable Workers:: The Case Study of Knowledge-Based Firms

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Corresponding Author: PhD in Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Schools, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Schools, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Mazandaran University, Mazandaran, Iran.

Abstract

Attracting, motivating and retaining knowledge workers is critical in a knowledge-based economy, where knowledge management practices and global technology convergence have redefined the nature of work; While the success of today's organizations depends on the knowledge of its people, retaining knowledge employees due to their high mobility and fluidity remains a challenge. The purpose of this qualitative-exploratory research is to investigate and identify the sources and factors of job embeddedness of knowledge workers in Iranian knowledge-based firms with their work environment. For this purpose, after an in-depth study of the theoretical foundations of job embeddedness, the framework of semi-structured interview questions was designed. Then, in order to collect field data, managers and human resources experts of 17 knowledge-based companies were interviewed by purposeful sampling in the form of snowball sampling. Subsequently, the interviews were transcribed and coded using MAXQDA2018 software and Clark and Brown six-step theme analysis method; As a result, knowledge workers' job embeddedness sources, consisting of 372 sub-codes in the form of 27 sub-themes and 9 main themes including individual-human resources, supportive practices, interpersonal processes, job-related and work environment sources, knowledge management, improvement and sustainability of human resources, Survey and measurement practices, organizational structure and barriers and challenges were identified, analyzed and classified.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Research in Human Resources Management
Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 48
Serial issue 48, Summer Quarterly
July 2022
Pages 11-53

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 May 2021
  • Revise Date: 08 December 2021
  • Accept Date: 10 December 2021

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