An Investigation of the Strategies used by Organizations Participating in the Welfare-to-Work Network Programs and Correlation of the Strategies with the Retention Data to Determine Best Practices for Job Retention among Former Welfare Recipients.

Authors

Pauline J. Smith, Florida International UniversityFollow
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Document Type

Dissertation

Major/Program

Adult Education

First Advisor's Name

Thomas Reio

First Advisor's Committee Title

Co-Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Tonette Rocco

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Co-Committee Chair

Third Advisor's Name

Dawn Addy

Fourth Advisor's Name

Patricia Barbetta

Keywords

welfare reform, welfare job retention, employer job retention, job retention strategies

Date of Defense

11-12-2010

Abstract

This ex post facto study (N = 209) examined the relationships between employer job strategies and job retention among organizations participating in Florida welfare-to-work network programs and associated the strategies with job retention data to determine best practices. An internet-based self-report survey battery was administered to a heterogeneous sampling of organizations participating in the Florida welfare-to-work network program. Hypotheses were tested through correlational and hierarchical regression analytic procedures. The partial correlation results linked each of the job retention strategies to job retention. Wages, benefits, training and supervision, communication, job growth, work/life balance, fairness and respect were all significantly related to job retention. Hierarchical regression results indicated that the training and supervision variable was the best predictor of job retention in the regression equation. The size of the organization was also a significant predictor of job retention. Large organizations reported higher job retention rates than small organizations. There was no statistical difference between the types of organizations (profit-making and non-profit) and job retention. The standardized betas ranged from to .26 to .41 in the regression equation. Twenty percent of the variance in job retention was explained by the combination of demographic and job retention strategy predictors, supporting the theoretical, empirical, and practical relevance of understanding the association between employer job strategies and job retention outcomes. Implications for adult education and human resource development theory, research, and practice are highlighted as possible strategic leverage points for creating conditions that facilitate the development of job strategies as a means for improving former welfare workers’ job retention.

Identifier

FI10120808

Recommended Citation

Smith, Pauline J. and , "An Investigation of the Strategies used by Organizations Participating in the Welfare-to-Work Network Programs and Correlation of the Strategies with the Retention Data to Determine Best Practices for Job Retention among Former Welfare Recipients." (2010). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 326.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/326