Unravelling the link between academic staff tenure and motivation: Extended curriculum programme dilemma for staff retention

Abstract

Staff retention is a critical aspect in fostering effective teaching and learning practices and promoting collaborative between staff members and management. In the context of higher education institutions, employee retention poses significant challenges globally, including South Africa. This study examines various factors affecting job satisfaction, motivation and retention of Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) academic staff in higher education institutions. Employing a qualitative case study research design, this research uses focus group interviews to collect data. The findings highlight the importance of a balanced blend of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in motivating staff. These factors include salaries, incentives, rewards, and recognition, as the prime factors that impact on the retention of academic staff. Furthermore, lack of standardization in the contract structure as well as discrepancies in resource allocation and workload distribution emerged as pressing challenges faced by the ECP academic staff. Based on these findings, the study recommends robust monitoring and evaluation processes for standardisation and promoting clear integration of the ECP into mainstream programmes to positively contribute to staff motivation and retention. By addressing these issues, higher education institutions can enhance staff satisfaction, improve retention rates and create an optimal environment for effective teaching and learning.

To cite: Nzimande, S.B., Qwatekana, Z., Sithole, N.V. & Ndlovu, T.P. (2023). Unravelling the link between academic staff tenure and motivation: Extended curriculum programme dilemma for staff retention. Journal of Management & Administration 17, 1–18.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10036866