Examining the Nexus of Communication, Leadership, and Employee Satisfaction in Community Colleges: A Mixed-Methods Exploration

Abstract

Employee turnover and attrition are not something that organizations look forward to. This is particularly significant at community colleges, where staff retention is important for stability and student success. While employees leave for a variety of reasons, dissatisfaction is one of the main reasons employees look for other jobs. This research seeks to answer the central question: How do different leadership styles and communication practices impact employee satisfaction levels at rural two-year community colleges? A mixed methods case study was conducted using survey and semi-structured interviews at four rural Midwestern colleges