The Relationship between Personality Traits and Turnover Intention of Private University Teachers: The Mediating Role of Sense of Belonging

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and turnover intention among private university teachers, focusing on the mediating role of sense of belonging. A quantitative research approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS 4.0 was employed. Data were collected from 781 private university teachers in Yunnan Province, China, through an online survey, and hypotheses were tested to explore the direct and indirect effects of the Big Five personality traits on turnover intention. The results reveal that openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism are positively related to turnover intention, while agreeableness shows a significant negative relationship. Sense of belonging mediates the relationships between all personality traits and turnover intention, highlighting its critical role in reducing turnover. The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the specific context of Chinese private universities may affect generalizability. University administrators should focus on enhancing teachers' sense of belonging and tailor retention strategies based on individual personality traits. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between personality traits, sense of belonging, and turnover intention in educational settings, offering practical recommendations for improving teacher retention.