Author Identifier (ORCID)
Adam Abdul Mumin: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5046-0000
Abstract
Work-family conflict and turnover intention literature suggests a simple relationship between the variables, where WFCs increase emotional exhaustion and prompt turnover intentions. In this study, we use a sequential explanatory design to demonstrate that the relationship is a complex one, especially in developing countries where labour markets are weak, using the case of Ghana. Results of Structural Equation Modelling from our initial quantitative study involving staff from Ghanaian public universities showed that while WFCs are associated with higher emotional exhaustion, but are not significantly related to turnover intentions. We corroborate these findings in a follow-up, qualitative study, revealing that the unwillingness to leave one’s job despite WFCs and emotional exhaustion is underpinned by limited quality alternative employment opportunities, perceived ubiquity of WFCs, and infrequent occurrence of WFCs. Whereas prior research has overlooked the role of contextual factors, our study sheds light on their importance in shaping the relationship between WFCs, burnout, and turnover intentions.
Keywords
burnout, context, emotional exhaustion, turnover intentions, work-family conflicts
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
5-1-2026
Volume
45
Issue
9
Publication Title
Current Psychology
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Business and Law
RAS ID
99368
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of: Duffour, K. A., Nketsiah, T. A., & Mumin, A. A. (2026). “I need to survive”: Understanding why work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion do not always lead to turnover intentions. Current Psychology, 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-026-09480-0
This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-026-09480-0