The Moderating Role of Transformational Leadership in Managing Turnover Intention Among Generation Z Employees in Surabaya

This study investigates turnover intention among Generation Z employees in Surabaya, Indonesia. A total of 212 non-managerial respondents, born between 1997 and 2012, participated in the study. Data were collected via a Google Form over a four-month period (November 2024 to February 2025) using purposive sampling. The sample size exceeded the minimum requirement of 97, calculated using Cochran’s formula for unknown populations. The research utilized a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Workplace incivility (11 items, α = 0.80), burnout (9 items, α = 0.919), turnover intention (6 items, α = 0.91), and transformational leadership (7 items, α = 0.79) were measured using validated instruments. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS. The findings indicate that workplace incivility significantly increases burnout (t = 7.206, p = 0.000) and turnover intention (t = 4.852, p = 0.000). Burnout significantly affects turnover intention (t = 9.716, p = 0.000) and mediates the effect of incivility (t = 4.852, p = 0.000). Transformational leadership moderates the relationship between incivility and burnout (t = 2.123, p = 0.034). These results highlight the importance of leadership in mitigating psychological distress and reducing turnover among Generation Z workers