What is an exit response?

• A. A response to job dissatisfaction directed toward leaving the organization and seeking new employment
• B. The degree to which an employee feels their organization cares about their contribution
• C. The observable action taken in response to feelings
• D. A belief about the way things are

Answer: (A)

An exit response is a behavioral reaction to job dissatisfaction that involves leaving the organization and seeking new employment. In the EVLN framework, employees respond to dissatisfaction with four patterns: exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect. Exit is the action of leaving or intending to leave, cutting ties with the employer and moving to another job. This is an active, external response aimed at removing the person from the situation that’s causing dissatisfaction. The option that best captures this is the one describing leaving the organization and seeking new work. By contrast, the degree to which the organization appears to value an employee’s contributions reflects perceived organizational support, which is about support and recognition rather than leaving. The statement about observable actions in response to feelings is too broad and could describe various reactions, not specifically exiting. A belief about how things are reflects cognitive appraisal, not behavior.