Building a Committed Workforce: How Empathic Leadership and DEI Engagement Reduce Turnover Intention among Public Relations Professionals

Anne Perera (Ph.D. student) and Juan Meng. “Building a Committed Workforce: How Empathic Leadership and DEI Engagement Reduce Turnover Intention among Public Relations Professionals,” paper accepted for presentation at the 28th Annual International Public Relations Research Conference (IPRRC) - Orlando, FL, March 6 - 8, 2025

Abstract: The research explores how empathic leadership and DEI engagement impact organizational commitment, work engagement, and turnover intention among PR professionals. Findings reveal that empathic leadership enhances commitment and engagement while reducing turnover, whereas DEI engagement alone doesn’t significantly predict turnover intention, highlighting the important role leadership plays in workforce stability.