How overqualification, work alienation, and employment relationship atmosphere affect employees' turnover intention

This study empirically analyzed the interaction mechanisms among overqualification, work alienation, employment relationship atmosphere, and employees' turnover intention. Data were collected from 327 employees of 54 technology, design, and manufacturing companies in China. Results of hierarchical linear modeling revealed that overqualification was positively correlated with employees' turnover intention and that work alienation mediated this relationship. Further, the atmosphere of the employment relationship was negatively correlated with employees' turnover intention, and employment relationship atmosphere moderated the link between overqualification and employees' turnover intention. This study enriches understanding of human resource management theory and may provide a reference for managers to improve the efficiency of human resources.