Examining the influence of continuance performance management on turnover intention: exploring the mediating effects of employee motivation and job autonomy – a practical study in the banking industry in Dubai

Purpose Continuous performance management is an emerging global phenomenon adopted by the human resources management discipline that is decentralizing the way performance management is traditionally executed within organizations. This study aims to examine the impact of continuous performance management (CPM) on turnover intention in the banking sector in Dubai and to identify the mediating roles of employee motivation and job autonomy. Design/methodology/approach The study used surveys to collect primary data from 375 employees at 15 banks operating in Dubai to explore the relationships among CPM, employee motivation, turnover intention, as well as perceived job autonomy. Through a robust analytical methodology that included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, multiple regression and parallel mediation analysis using the Hayes process macro, not only were the factor structures validated, but the relationships between the constructs were also uncovered. This comprehensive research process helped the present study delve into the depths of the study’s subject matter, thereby enhancing the value of the study to the extant literature which given the multicultural orientation, further contributed to the comprehensiveness of the conceptual relationship between the variables. Findings From the findings, the current study concludes that the key predictors of employee motivation, job autonomy and turnover intention in the banking sector among employees were CPM factors. In addition, based on the findings from the Hays process macro parallel mediation analysis, the current study identified the mediation effect of employee motivation and job autonomy between CPM and turnover intention. With the confirmation of all the research hypotheses, the output from this study is valuable to HR academicians and practitioners seeking to understand CPM and how to implement performance management drivers for the purpose of employee development and retention. Originality/value This paper’s originality lies in its examination of the burgeoning trend of CPM within the unique context of the GCC banking sector, a sector-specific focus that offers fresh insights into the adoption and impact of CPM in a regional context.