EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION AND TURNOVER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BAGHDAD

Abstract

This research investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) applications influence employee retention and turnover reduction at the University of Baghdad, against the backdrop of the persistent challenges Iraqi universities face in maintaining a stable workforce. Adopting a quantitative descriptive–analytical design, the study developed a structured questionnaire with fifty (50) items, grouped into three dimensions: organizational culture, artificial intelligence, and employee turnover. The survey was distributed to a randomly selected sample of 150 administrative and technical employees from the humanities and administrative faculties of the University of Baghdad, yielding 146 valid responses for statistical analysis. The results demonstrate that AI plays a significant role in strengthening retention strategies and lowering turnover rates. More precisely, AI technology reduced employees' intention to leave, decision-support technology contributed to decreasing job dissatisfaction, and intelligent automation helped achieve relative job stability. In general, the evidence confirmed a direct impact of AI—measured as an independent variable—on turnover dimensions, highlighting strategic importance in embracing such technology into human resource practices in higher education. The study concludes by recommending more investment in AI-based systems within universities, along with structuring efforts to build a constructive organizational culture and training sessions for raising employees' awareness regarding the benefits of AI, improving workforce stability, and enhancing institutional performance.