LINKING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Purpose: Indian Private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are presently experiencing persistent faculty attrition, reduced emotional attachment to institutions, and dissatisfaction with compensation and career advancement.  This study investigates how Employee Experience (EX) influences Organizational Commitment (OC) among faculty members in Bangalore – based private HEIs and examines the mediating role of Job Satisfaction (JS).

Design and Methodology: The study adopted an empirical, cross-sectional design. The data were collected from 126 faculty members using a structured questionnaire. Reliability, correlation, and regression analysis were conducted using SPSS, while Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structured Equation Modelling (SEM) were performed using AMOS.

Findings: EX demonstrated a significant positive effect on both JS (β = .52, p < .01) and OC (β = .48, p < .01). JS positively predicted OC (r = .65, p < .01) and partially mediated the EX-OC relationship. SEM results indicated a strong model fit (χ²/df = 3.22; RMSEA = .045; CFI = .924; GFI = .916). While faculty reported higher satisfaction with digital and physical aspects of EX, but lower satisfaction with pay, promotions, and emotional connectedness with their institutions.

Practical Implications: HEIs can strengthen faculty commitment by improving digital infrastructure, modernising physical spaces, enhancing transparent HR practices, and developing structured career pathways. Regular EX assessments and faculty involvement in institutional decision making can further improve satisfaction and institutional loyalty.

Originality and value: This study provides one of the first empirical examinations of EX, JS, and OC within the HEI context of Bangalore - an emerging educational hub. It extends EX literature by demonstrating its direct and indirect effects on commitment and offers actionable insights for HR leaders and policymakers in higher education.