ACADEMIC STAFF TURNOVER IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLEGES OF HARARI REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study was aimed at determine the causes of academic staff turnover both in public and private colleges of Harari Regional States and to seek the possible solutions for problems identified. In order to conduct the study, a descriptive survey method was employed.. Stratified sampling method was used to group the colleges into two main categories: public and private colleges and three colleges were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. The study had four groups of respondent namely 149 practicing teachers, 19 former teachers, 7 College leaders, and 12 department heads. The respondents were selected for study by using available sampling technique. In general 168 respondents filled the questionnaire and returned to the researcher. Interviews were conducted with College leaders. Focus group discussions were held with department heads. Research data collected through questionnaire were analyzed and interpreted by using percentage, mean value, spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and chi-square. Information gathered through interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed qualitatively. The study showed that the annual average rate of teachers’ turnover was 14.87% in the last four years (2011-2015). The study also revealed that the major causing for teachers turnover were Organizational related factors such as poor working condition, Inefficient school administrator and supervisors, Lack of opportunity for continuous professional development and socio-economic related factors such as in adequate salary. The most prevailing problems resulted from the high rate of teachers’ turnover were: students achievement was deteriorated, school programs were disturbed qualified and experienced teachers were replaced by non-qualified and non-experienced teachers, and the remaining teachers were demoralized. At last, the study forwarded possible mechanisms such as reducing school related problems, improving socio-economic level of teachers, alleviating teachers’ attitude towards teaching profession