Which came first, work-personal conflict or work environment? Extending the generational debate on cohort differences in turnover intention

Purpose This study aims to examine the sequential effects of work–personal conflict (WPC) and work environment (WE) on turnover intention (TI) with a focus on generational differences in the restaurant context. Design/methodology/approach To test the two-model approach, this study uses a moderated mediation analysis based on developed scenarios for survey questionnaires completion by participants. Findings The results found that WE and personal–work conflict each have a unique sequential effect on TI. However, younger generations perceived external conflicts to affect their personal lives more than older generations. For older generations, external conflict affecting personal life had caused higher intentions to quit their jobs. Originality/value The study provides the unique contribution of studying the sequential effects of WPC and WE on TI. Furthermore, this study helps to fill the gap of generational research by testing generational perceptions of these relationships.