The moderating effects of positive thinking on the relationship between job stress and turnover intention

Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the moderating effects of positive thinking (PT) on the relationship between job stress (JS) and turnover intention (TI). Design/methodology/approach The study was based on a questionnaire distributed among 275 employees at a convenience store business. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were tested before the data were collected, and hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the moderating effects. Findings JS had negative effects on employee TI with statistical significance, while PT functioned to moderate the relationship between JS and employee TI with statistical significance. Research limitations/implications The moderating effects of PT among employees in the convenience store business were explained clearly. This research supports and expands the broaden-and-build theory in explaining the effects of PT or attitudes to help employees cope with problems and obstacles, create new things and perceive problems as challenges to be overcome. Practical implications Managers with an awareness of PT can help employees lower JS, increase organizational commitment and improve employees' PT to reduce the turnover rate. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature about organizational behavior and human resource management in dealing with job turnover by clarifying the moderating effects of PT on the relationship between JS and TI.