Post-Employment Relationships: Job Satisfaction, Affective Commitment & Intention to Return
1.
S Senthil Ganesh
– Professor (Strategy & General Management Area), Xavier Institute of Management at XIM University, India
2.
Vikas Agrawal
– Professor at Jacksonville University, Florida, U.S.A
3.
Kavya Hegde
– Manager, Human Capital Consulting, Deloitte
4.
Karthikeyan Swaminathan
– HR Business Advisor, Standard Chartered Global Business Services
Received -
Accepted -
Published 28-Jul-2026
Abstract
This study examines former employees’
intention to return (IRN) to a prior employer
in India using a post-employment
Social Exchange lens. A cross-sectional
survey of 402 respondents was analyzed
with structural equation modeling. Job
satisfaction (JS) was positively related to
affective commitment (AC); AC was positively
related to IRN; and AC statistically
carried part of the JS–IRN association.
These correlational patterns suggest that
remembe re d eval uat i ons of pri or exchanges
and continuing emotional attachment
can coexist with interest in rejoining
after exit. The question matters in India,
where many private firms still enforce norehire
policies that constrain alumni engagement.
The results point to practice
levers: dignified exits and transparent rehire
eligibility keep channels open.
