Author ORCID Identifier:

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5050-7188

Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Advisor/Mentor

Johnson, Donald

Committee Member

Graham, Donna

Second Committee Member

Robinson, Julie

Third Committee Member

Siegelin, Steve

Keywords

Cooperative Extension Service; Intent to Stay; Job Embeddedness; Job Satisfaction; Retention

Abstract

Abstract This quantitative study investigated the retention of county-level employees within the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES) using Job Embeddedness Theory (JET) as the theoretical framework. The research aimed to describe levels of job embeddedness, job satisfaction, and intent to stay, and to examine the relationships among these variables. A census of 328 CES employees was conducted, yielding a 53% response rate. Data were collected through a validated online survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. Results indicated high scores in organizational fit and sacrifice dimensions, while links to organization and community were comparatively lower. Age and job satisfaction were positively associated with intent to stay, whereas years of employment negatively predicted retention. Job embeddedness approached statistical significance as a predictor. These findings suggest that perceived organizational fit and satisfaction are more influential than tenure in predicting employee retention. The study recommends targeted interventions, including structured mentorship, enhanced supervisor communication, and expanded professional development, to strengthen embeddedness and satisfaction across career stages. Implications for practice include investing in personnel dedicated to workforce development and tailoring retention strategies to diverse employee roles. The results contribute to the literature on public sector retention and provide actionable insights for Extension administrators seeking to improve organizational stability.

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