Effects of training and career development on agent retention in the life insurance industry in Zambia

Blessed Chisenga Mwansa; Sidney Kawimbe; Burton Mweemba

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.2.112

Authors

Chisenga Blessed Mwansa The ZCAS University, Zambia
Sidney Kawimbe The ZCAS University, Zambia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1039-5757
Burton Mweemba The ZCAS University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.2.112

Keywords:

Agent Retention, Career Development, Employee Development, Life Insurance Industry, Training, Zambia

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of training and career development on agent retention in the life insurance industry in Zambia. his study examined the effects of training and career development on agent retention in the life insurance industry in Zambia. The study was motivated by persistent challenges of high agent turnover in commission-based insurance agency systems, despite the critical role agents play in premium generation and business sustainability. Guided by the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the study adopted a quantitative research design. The study collected from 172 life insurance agents. The analysis of data involved descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, and regression modelling to determine the relationship between training, career development, and agent retention. Descriptive results showed moderately positive perceptions of training and career development and agent retention. Correlation analysis indicated a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between training and career development and agent retention (r = 0.7115, p < 0.001). Regression results further confirmed that training and career development significantly predict agent retention both in the unadjusted model (β = 0.6805, p < 0.001) and adjusted model (β = 0.6672, p < 0.001), explaining approximately 51% of the variance in retention outcomes. Socio-demographic variables were not significant predictors of retention. The study concludes that training and career development are key determinants of agent retention in the Zambian life insurance industry. It recommends that insurance firms strengthen structured training programs, establish clear career progression pathways, and institutionalize continuous professional development to enhance agent retention and organizational performance.

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