Abstract
Engaging and retaining high potential employees play a key role in enhancing an organization's competitive advantage. Although multiple factors affect engagement and retention, senior leaders play an important role. This study examined senior leaders' use of touch points (intentional interactions) with high potentials as a retention and engagement strategy within one organization. This mixed-method study gathered survey and interview data from high potentials and senior leaders. Study findings revealed that touch points yielded a range of benefits for the company, for leaders, for high potentials, and for talent management within the organization. The benefits appeared to be associated with the frequency and recency of touch points. Based on these findings, senior and executive leaders are advised to engage with high potentials at least quarterly. Organizations are advised to create processes to advocate for, facilitate, and monitor senior leaders' use of touch points to optimize organizational outcomes.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Dissertations (MA) -- Organization Development; Employee retention; Employee motivation; Organizational effectiveness
Date of Award
2014
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Chesley, Julie;
Recommended Citation
Keefe, Louise, "Impact of senior leader touch points on high potential employee engagement and retention" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 447.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/447