Impact of Human Resources Managers’ Competence on Reducing Administrative Staff Turnover at Universities in Hong Kong

This study analyses the impact of Hong Kong HR managers’ competencies on reducing administrative staff turnover in Hong Kong’s higher education. Excessive administrative staff turnover is a primary stumbling block to institutional stability, knowledge retention, and operational continuity. The mixed-methods approach is followed while conducting the study to assess some of the HR competencies, such as strategic positioning, credibility, and HR delivery. Quantitative data from surveys of university administrative staff and qualitative data from interviews with senior HR managers are combined to explore the relationship between perceived HR effectiveness and staff plans to leave. The results of the study indicate that HR managers’ strategic competence in creating a positive organizational culture, having effective talent management practices, and having fair remuneration is most highly linked with administrative staff retention. The study concludes that investing in the strategic development of HR professionals is not only an administrative function but also a key strategic imperative for universities striving to enhance organizational stability and performance in Hong Kong’s competitive higher education market.

administrative staff turnover, higher education, Hong Kong, HR manager competence, staff retention