THE SILENT STRAIN: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF WORKPLACE OSTRACISM AND EMPLOYEES' TURNOVER INTENTIONS FROM THE EDUCATION SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

One of the most important factors affecting employee behaviour and organizational outcomes is workplace ostracism, which is defined as a person's sense of being disregarded or excluded in professional contexts. This study examines the effects of workplace exclusion on academic and academic support staff turnover intentions in Pakistani higher education institutions. The study investigates the association between workplace ostracism and turnover intentions by using unpleasant emotions as a mediating variable and cultural value collectivism as a moderator, drawing on Affective Events Theory (AET). The study collected 207 genuine responses from public and private organizations in Lahore and using a quantitative, explanatory research technique. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 3 to evaluate structural correlations, validity, and reliability. The findings indicate that being ostracized at work results in negative emotional reactions and is a powerful indicator of plans to leave. In contrast to negative feelings, collective cultural beliefs also lessen the strength of this relationship. This study contributes to the body of literature by highlighting the need for institutional solutions to combat occupational exclusion and offering context-specific insights from Pakistan's higher education system. The study highlights how important it is to establish inclusive environments in order to enhance employee retention, mental wellness, and organizational performance.