Intention to leave federal public companies: A study based on the theory of planned behavior and organizational entrenchment

Abstract Objective: To verify whether attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (components of the theory of planned behavior), as well as organizational entrenchment, are predictors of the intention to leave a federal public company. Originality/value: This is the first Brazilian study to use the complete model of the theory of planned behavior, together with organizational entrenchment, to explain the formation of the intention to leave a public company. Design/methodology/approach: Cross-sectional survey approach. The sample of 535 professionals from the National Supply Company (CONAB) was recruited nationwide. The data was analyzed using two multiple linear regression models. Results: One of the regression models indicated that attitudes (measured using a job satisfaction scale), subjective norms, and organizational entrenchment predict the intention to leave CONAB. The regression model, including the dimensions of the constructs, showed that satisfaction with the nature of the work, satisfaction with promotions, limited alternative jobs, and subjective norms are predictors of the intention to leave the organization. This second model explained 50.95% of the variance in the intention to leave CONAB, a high percentage. Contribution/implications: The study increases the internal precision of the perceived behavioral control scale in the context of the intention to leave a public organization. Some factors can be managed, at least in part, to prevent good public employees from deciding to resign; these include job design, a promotion policy that truly values merit (and not just length of service), and the positive perception of family members and people of importance to the employee regarding the significance and value of public service.