Motivational, Health and Comprehensive Factors Affecting the Retention of Knowledge Workers in Knowledge-Based Manufacturing Companies

Knowledge workers are the main asset of knowledge-based companies and companies that make little use of such workers are likely to undergo bankruptcy and liquidation. This study was conducted to explore the factors affecting the retention of knowledge workers and design a three-factor hygiene, motivation and comprehensive model by reviewing and criticizing Herzberg’s two-factor model in knowledge-based manufacturing companies. This is a descriptive study conducted using the survey method. The sample members were selected through the relative cluster sampling method. A 34-item questionnaire was designed based on the theoretical background and through interviews with experts and managers of companies. The data were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis using SPSS-20 and LISREL-72.8 software. To identify the three hygiene, motivation and comprehensive factors, a questionnaire was presented to the academic experts, and the Delphi method was utilized. According to the results of correlation coefficients, Cronbach's alpha of this questionnaire was 0.927, which is indicative of the very good internal consistency of the items. The results of the fit indices confirm the proposed model. The results indicate good reliability and validity of the model designed to retain knowledge workers in knowledge-based manufacturing companies in the areas of ICT and biotechnology with the three-factor motivation, hygiene, and comprehensive model.