HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF TEACHERS IN SELECTED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MBALE CITY

Abstract

Teacher performance is central to educational quality, yet many private secondary schools in Uganda, particularly in Mbale City, face persistent challenges such as low motivation, inadequate compensation, and poor instructional delivery. This study examined the influence of Human Resource Management practices—specifically recruitment, training practices and compensation/reward systems—on teacher performance in selected private secondary schools in Mbale City. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected from 120 respondents across 20 licensed private secondary schools using questionnaires and interview guides. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed. Purposive sampling targeted Head teachers and Director of studies, while simple random sampling selected departmental heads and classroom teachers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, employing descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data from interviews were thematically analyzed to capture deeper insights. Findings revealed that merit-based recruitment significantly enhanced teacher competence and engagement (β = 0.638, p < 0.01). Training had the strongest positive influence on teacher performance (β = 0.723, p < 0.01), underscoring its role in professional growth. However, reward systems were found to be inadequate (β = 0.298, p < 0.05), which undermined staff morale and retention. From the qualitative data, teachers perceived favoritism and exclusion from decision-making as key de-motivators, while school administrators cited limited resources and policy gaps in HRM implementation. Conclusion: robust HRM practices—merit-based recruitment, continuous training aligned to institutional goals, and fair, performance-linked reward systems—are essential for improving teacher motivation, retention, and performance. It recommended that private secondary schools and education policymakers in Mbale City should strengthen HRM frameworks to promote sustainable and quality education. Keywords: Human Resource Management, Teacher Performance, Recruitment, Training, Reward Systems, Private Secondary Schools.