Conversion Intentions of Interns: What Are the Motivating Factors?

Autor/inn/en	Hurst, Jessica L.; Good, Linda K.; Gardner, Phil
Titel	Conversion Intentions of Interns: What Are the Motivating Factors?
Quelle	In: Education & Training, 54 (2012) 6, S.504-522 (19 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0040-0912
Schlagwörter	Job Satisfaction; Internship Programs; Psychology; College Students; College Seniors; Merchandising; Surveys; Psychological Patterns; Expectation; Supervision; Employment; Responsibility; Intention; Distributive Education; Retailing; Promotion (Occupational); United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Labor; Labour; Satisfaction; Arbeit; Zufriedenheit; Berufspraktische Ausbildung; Psychologie; Collegestudent; College; Colleges; Senior; Hochschule; Fachhochschule; Direktvermarktung; Survey; Umfrage; Befragung; Expectancy; Erwartung; Dienstverhältnis; Verantwortungsübernahme; Zuständigkeit; Warenwirtschaft; Aufstiegsberuf; Berufsförderung; USA
Abstract	Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate interns' supervisory support expectations, psychological contract obligations, job satisfaction, perception of advancement opportunities and affective organisational commitment in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how these variables influence interns' conversion intentions. Design/methodology/approach: This study focuses on college juniors and seniors who were enrolled in retail/service programs at one of three major US universities, and successfully completed a retail/service internship. An online survey was used to assess the influence of interns' psychological contract expectations regarding employer obligations, supervisory support expectations, job satisfaction, perception of advancement opportunities, and affective organisational commitment on interns' conversion intentions (intent to accept an offer for full-time employment). Findings: Findings indicate that employers can establish a foundation for intern retention by fulfilling obligations, both implicitly and explicitly. Furthermore, to ensure continued success of their interns, retailers should rely on supervisors and/or mentors to provide guidance, support and feedback. Research limitations/implications: Research is limited to students who completed a retail/service internship during 2008. Practical implications: Results provide practical implications to aid in internship program development, assist in interns' educational and professional development, and enhance the likelihood of successful conversion of interns to employees for retail/service businesses. Originality/value: This paper is based on actual feedback from interns. Findings will assist retailers in identifying how they can differentiate their internship programs from their competitors', and how they can increase internship conversion rates. Additionally, the paper identifies salient factors that motivate interns to accept an offer for full-time employment from their internship company. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10