Journal of Applied Business and Technology
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Applied Business and Technology

Exploring the Meaning of Employee Loyalty through the Lens of Organizational Behavior: A Phenomenological Study in Digital Start-up Firms

Purnama, Intan (Unknown)
Renaldo, Nicholas (Unknown)
Panjaitan, Harry Patuan (Unknown)
Junaedi, Achmad Tavip (Unknown)
Suhardjo, Suhardjo (Unknown)
Veronica, Kristy (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of employee loyalty within digital start-up firms from the perspective of organizational behavior. In an era where employee retention and engagement are critical, especially in dynamic digital start-up environments, understanding how loyalty is formed and interpreted by individuals becomes vital. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with employees from various Indonesian digital start-ups to uncover the underlying meanings and personal interpretations of loyalty. The findings reveal that employee loyalty is perceived as a complex, evolving construct influenced by emotional attachment, shared values, autonomy, and mutual commitment. Loyalty was not merely transactional or tenure-based, but rather closely linked to personal growth, identity, and value alignment, especially among Millennial and Gen Z employees. This study contributes to organizational behavior literature by offering a nuanced view of loyalty that transcends traditional models, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation and purpose-driven work in fostering long-term commitment. The results also offer practical implications for digital start-up leaders to cultivate environments that support psychological engagement, employee well-being, and sustainable loyalty.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JABT

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

JABT (Journal of Applied Business and Technology) is a media for exploration and discussion about Business Management and Technological problems arised in the society. It includes scientific articles in the form of research results, theory application, analytical studies, and literature studies on ...