Abstract
Purpose – This study examines how Career Growth Opportunity, Employability, and Digital Competence are associated with Intention to Stay, and tests Employee Engagement as a mediator for the Career Growth Opportunity and Employability pathways in an increasingly digitalized work environment.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative cross-sectional survey was analyzed using PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4. The final sample comprised 250 respondents. Measurement-model assessment, structural-model evaluation, bootstrapping, direct-path testing, and specific indirect-effect analysis were conducted.
Findings/Results – All tested direct paths were positive and statistically significant. Employee Engagement had the largest direct relationship with Intention to Stay (β = 0.451). Employee Engagement partially mediated the Career Growth Opportunity–Intention to Stay relationship (β = 0.143) and the Employability–Intention to Stay relationship (β = 0.111).
Originality/Value – This study contributes by integrating career-growth, employability, and digital competence within a single retention-oriented framework and by distinguishing the engagement-mediated pathways for Career Growth Opportunity and Employability from the direct pathways involving Digital Competence. This configuration clarifies how distinct job and personal resources are associated with Intention to Stay while remaining within the limits of cross-sectional evidence.