Hom, Griffeth, and Sellaro's (1984) theoretical alternative to Mobley's (1977) turnover model was investigated in two studies. In Study 1, conceptual distinctions among model constructs and operationalizations of those constructs were validated. 206 nurses were surveyed, and constructs were assessed with multiple indicators. Although discriminating most constructs, structural equation modeling (SEM) identified a more parsimonious conceptualization in which a general construct underlies withdrawal cognitions. Other SEM analyses supported the indicators' construct validity and Hom et al.'s structural network. In Study 2, a longitudinal analogue of Hom et al.'s model was tested. A survey of 129 new nurses measured model constructs on three occasions. SEM disclosed that some causal effects in this model materialized contemporaneously, whereas others emerged after a lengthy time. Moreover, these causal effects systematically changed during newcomer assimilation. Implications for future research of turnover models are discussed.

Mobley's (1977; Mobley, Griffeth, Hand, & Meglino, 1979) formulations have shaped the course of turnover research for the past decade. Mobley (1977) pioneered a comprehensive explanation for the psychological process underlying withdrawal. Specifically, he theorized that dissatisfaction arouses thoughts about quitting. These thoughts, in turn, prompt consideration of the expected utility of job search and the costs of leaving. Barring a costly exit, optimistic employment expectations then initiate job search. The ensuing search may uncover alternatives, which are evaluated and compared. Comparisons favoring alternatives over the present job then activate quit decisions and resignations. Later, Mobley et al. (1979) delineated more distal determinants of this withdrawal process. Since their inception, Mobley's notions have dominated theory testing (Dalessio, Silverman, & Schuck, 1986; Michaels & Spector, 1982) and inspired prominent theorists to adopt his concepts in whole or in part (Hulin, Roznowski, & Hachiya,...