PERCEPTIONS OF ACADEMIC STAFF ON RETENTION APPROACHES IN CHURCH FOUNDED UNIVERSITIES IN UGANDA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Universities are increasingly facing challenges in attracting and retaining academic staff, whose expertise is crucial for enhancing institutional reputation and promoting student success. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of retention approaches in faith-based African universities remains limited. This qualitative, multiple-case study examined the perceptions of academic staff regarding retention strategies within two Church-founded Universities in central Uganda. The choice of universities was motivated by the fact that these institutions are continuously losing their academic staff, yet, given their foundation and nature, they should be able to attract and retain their academic staff. Guided by Social Exchange Theory, Human Capital Theory, Equity Theory, and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study employed semi-structured interviews with 48 academic staff members, ranging from professors to teaching assistants, who were engaged in focus group discussions. Data were analyzed thematically using a framework matrix, ensuring credibility through triangulation of interviews, document reviews, and member checks. The findings highlight a complex landscape of retention practices ranging from strong spiritual support and opportunities for external consultancy to boost commitment, to unclear promotion processes, limited research funding, and unequal workload distribution that reduce morale. Participants expressed a preference for an integrated retention model that combines transparent career paths, competitive and performance-based rewards, research facilitation, and family-friendly policies, all rooted in a Christian ethos. This study introduces the Academic Staff Retention Integrated Model (ASRIM) to guide policy and practice. The implementation of this model in CFHIs and other institutions can lead to improved perceptions of fairness, development, and motivation, leading to better retention in universities and similar institutions in Uganda and beyond.