Investigating reluctant stayers : case study of Lebanese private hospitals

Abstract

This study aims to explore the phenomenon of reluctant stayers in the Lebanese private hospital sector by identifying the specific factors that compel employees to remain at their hospitals despite experiencing dissatisfaction. Additionally, it examines the managerial retention strategies employed in Lebanese private hospitals to retain and engage these Qualified Reluctant Stayers (QRS). Multiple case study research design was used in this study. Data were collected using in-depth semi structured interviews with both employees and managers in three different private hospitals during April-May 2024, located in North Lebanon. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings were investigated using a within case analysis, followed by cross case analysis. The research findings showed that in the three hospitals the organizational drivers that influence reluctant stayers’ decision are as career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, compensation and recognition. The individual main factors that impact reluctant stayer’s decision to stay despite dissatisfaction are family commitment, emotional attachment and location. From a managerial perspective, the study emphasizes the implementation of retention strategies such as open communication approaches, financial assistance programs, flexible scheduling, and recognition programs aimed at engaging and retaining qualified reluctant stayers in the Lebanese hospital sector. The major conclusion was that the healthcare sector can increase job satisfaction and retention rates by developing tailored interventions based on a better understanding of the multiple factors impacting reluctant stayer’s decisions. Addressing these challenges might lead to a more stable and productive workforce, emphasizing the importance of this research in the healthcare sector. The research contributed to the development of a conceptual framework, that shows the different factors that contribute to employees being reluctant. The study has added a new lens to the different factors of retaining employees specifically in the Lebanese private hospitals