ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF PERCEIVED OVER QUALIFICATION ON TURNOVER INTENTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DETACHMENT UNDER THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study aims to investigate possible effects of perceived over-qualification on psychological detachment and turnover intention, with emotional exhaustion as a mediating variable, in the hospitality sector of Pakistan. A relational survey-based approach was adopted and data were collected from HR officials of various hotels through structured questionnaires. The inductively quantitative research type was supported by deductive research approach, and data were analyzed using SPSS. According to the findings, perceived over-qualification considerably increases turnover intention, but it does not considerably relate to psychological detachment. Emotional exhaustion mediates between perceived over-qualification and turnover intention; however, it does not mediate between perceived over-qualification and psychological detachment. The study further provides practical implications regarding HR practices in such a way that perceived over-qualification could be reduced through better recruitment strategies, particularly concerning title revision of the job and more aligned selection criteria. Through this research, local communities can add value by understanding these psychological dynamics, considering that very few empirical works have been done in this context.

Keywords: Perceived over qualification, Emotional exhaustion, Psychological detachment, Turnover intention, HR officers, Hospitality, Pakistan