LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Newman, Randy Lynn

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

The current study examined the role of psychosocial factors as determinants of commitment to the Atlantic Canada water industry. Factors that were examined include sense of belonging, corporate social responsibility, diversity climate, and work-life balance. By surveying industry employees (N = 120), it was found that one’s corporate social responsibility and sense of belonging predict both affective (defined as affective attachment to the workplace) and normative commitment (defined as sense of obligation to remain in the workplace). Gender was found to moderate the relationship between sense of belonging and normative commitment such that belongingness was a better predictor of normative commitment for men than women. Gender was also found to moderate the relationship between diversity climate and normative commitment, such that as diversity climate increased, men showed an increase in commitment while women showed a decrease in commitment. It was also found that women reported lower levels of sense of belonging and work-life balance than men, which may explain why women are more apt to leave the workforce. Finally, this study identified gaps within the diversity structure of the industry, characterized by gender gaps within particular sectors and an absence of racial diversity. Findings will form the basis of recommendations to the water industry as to how it can adapt/improve the work environment to foster the retention and recruitment of diverse talent.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3395