The Role of Transformational Leadership and Talent Management on Employee Retention Among Academics at the University of Venda

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how transformational leadership and talent management influence academic staff retention at the University of Venda. This study is underpinned by Social Exchange Theory and Transformational Leadership Theory as its theoretical framework. The study used a quantitative approach, with a positivist philosophy. The population consisted of academic staff at the university, and 226 participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS and AMOS, with confirmatory factor analysis used to test the reliability and validity of the measurement scales. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of the respondents, while Pearson correlations assessed the relationships between variables. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test direct, indirect, and moderating effects, and Social Exchange Theory and Transformational Leadership Theory were applied to explain how reciprocal leader-employee relationships and leadership behaviours influence talent management practices and staff retention outcomes within the structural model. Results revealed that transformational leadership had a positive effect on both talent management (β =0.608, p<0.05) and staff retention (β = 0.464, p<0.05). Talent management was also found to significantly predict retention (β = 0.589, p<0.05). The dimensions of transformational leadership idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration each had a positive impact on retention. Talent management partially mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and retention, with four key mediator variables identified: recruitment, training and development, performance management, and career management. This study contributes to understanding how leadership practices can strengthen talent management, ultimately helping to improve academic staff retention in South African universities.