Turnover and transferable skills in a professional service firm

• DOI: 10.1093/jpo/joy022
• Publication Date: 2018-12-23T12:07:38Z
• Authors: Karen M Olsen; Therese Egeland; Arne L Kalleberg
• Keywords: 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences

Abstract Retaining the most valuable employees is a core priority of professional service firms (PSFs). Our study addresses turnover (quit) among in PSF that hires lawyers, auditors, and management consultants. We examine extent to which decision quit varies by professions, skills, job satisfaction Norway. The analyses are based on survey conducted 2013 (N = 455) combined with information those who after 28 months. find sub-group non-certified auditors more often than all other groups. In addition, we client-contact transferability skills positively related quits, when controlling for satisfaction, suggesting these provide alternative opportunities greater bargaining power. These measures also satisfaction. contributes literature professions emphasizing interplay between workers employees’ quit. add our understanding concepts general- firm-specific multi-profession context.