DETERMINANTS OF RETENTION IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: A STUDY OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER STATISTICS IN A PRIVATE PENNSYLVANIA CLUB Adam Weis*, Joseph A. Rosendale** *Ph.D. Candidate, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, United States. Email: qnpm@iup.edu **Assistant Professor of Management, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, United States. Email: jarose@iup.edu Abstract Examining data from over 500 private club employees who were terminated from employment over the past 15 years, the purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which individual variables explain retention rates in the small, private-club sector of the hospitality industry. Given the disparity in employee turnover rates in the leisure and hospitality industry as compared to all industry averages, this report specifcally analyzes the infuence of gender, age, length of tenure, and departmental affliation as related to continued employment with the organization. Findings show that while gender was not necessarily a signifcant predictor of retention, employees’ age, the department in which employees primarily were assigned, as well as exempt versus hourly status all had a signifcant effect on their corresponding rates of retention. This study not only expounds upon the current literature in the feld, it adds a very distinct addition to the body of research, insofar as small, private clubs are underrepresented in the available literature. Keywords: Employee Turnover, Retention, Private Club, Hospitality Management Introduction In the most competitive global job market in over half a century, businesses, especially those considered small and private in nature, are struggling to attract and retain talented employees. Indeed, while rising wage demands and low unemployment fgures present obstacles for many businesses, small businesses’ challenges are intensifed due to fewer fringe benefts and matching incentive options as compared to larger frms (Simon, JOHAR – Journal of Hospitality Application & Research 14 (1) 2019, 57-73 http://www.publishingindia.com/johar/