DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN MALAWI: EXAMINING KNOWLEDGE SHARING AS A MODERATING FACTOR

This study comprehensively investigates the determinants of employee retention in private universities in Malawi by examining the effects of talent management, task complexity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement. Recognizing the importance of human capital in higher education, the research also delves into the moderating influence of knowledge sharing on the relationship between employee engagement and employee retention. The study employs a quantitative research design, collecting data through structured questionnaires administered to 183 academic staff members across selected private universities. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for preliminary analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for hypothesis testing and model validation. Results show that employee engagement, talent management, and job satisfaction significantly enhance retention, while task complexity has no notable effect. Knowledge sharing positively moderates the engagement–retention relationship, emphasizing the value of a collaborative, knowledge-driven environment. The study contributes to human resource literature in higher education, especially within the Sub-Saharan African context. It also provides practical implications for university leaders and policymakers to improve staff retention by promoting engagement, knowledge sharing, and talent development. Future research may explore these relationships in public universities and assess other moderating variables.