Abusive leadership, job stress and SMES employees’ turnover intentions in Nigeria: Mediating effect of emotional exhaustion

Abstract

There is a high turnover intention among employees in Zamfara state. This paper examines the mediating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between abusive leadership, job stress and employee turnover intentions among 480 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Cross-sectional and survey methods were employed in the study. The tool used for data analysis is SmartPLS 3.3.9. The results indicate that abusive leadership and job stress are positively associated with employee turnover intentions, and that emotional exhaustion is a partial mediator of the relationship between abusive leadership, job stress, and employee turnover intentions. Specifically, it was found that the relationship between abusive leadership and employee turnover intentions is partially mediated by emotional exhaustion, and the relationship between job stress and employee turnover intentions is partially mediated by emotional exhaustion. The findings of this study suggest that reducing the abusive leadership and job stress of SME employees in Zamfara State may help reduce employee turnover intentions among them. Practically, this implies that managers should be made aware of the negative effects of abusive leadership and job stress on employee turnover intentions and be encouraged to create an environment in which their employees are motivated, respected, and emotionally supported. This study's findings provide relevant implications for research and practice.