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.