ENHANCING EMPLOYEE RETENTION THROUGH TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK BASED ON SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY

Abstract

Employee retention is a vital component of effective human resource management where organizations face persistently high turnover rates across various sectors. This ongoing issue negatively impacts productivity, elevates operational costs, and undermines workforce stability. This conceptual paper explores two essential determinants of employee retention such as training and development and the working environment within the Malaysian organizational landscape. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study introduces an integrative conceptual framework that demonstrates how organizational support in the form of skill development and a positive work atmosphere promotes reciprocal employee commitment and retention. Drawing on recent empirical research, the model emphasizes that employees who perceive ongoing developmental support and a healthy work environment are more likely to stay with their employer. This paper enriches the human resource management discourse by offering a specific theoretical model and suggests avenues for future empirical testing of the proposed framework.