Identifying determinants in the first turnover of new graduate employees in Korea: applying a discrete-time survival analysis

Purpose The high turnover of new graduate employees has become a concern for many organizations in Korea. This study explores when new graduate employees leave first jobs and what makes these employees decide to leave employees' organizations. Design/methodology/approach Using national panel data from South Korea, the authors employed a survival analysis and examined the factors that explain the turnover of new graduate employees. Findings The findings of this study reveal that many new graduate employees leave the employees' organizations within two years. Moreover, work conditions, work satisfaction and job-skill match were associated with new graduate employee turnover. Originality/value Based on the results of survival analysis derived from actual turnover data, not turnover intentions, the authors emphasize appropriate human resources (HR) intervention, a working environment and organizational culture, and employee development opportunities.