Compensation strategies and retention of high-quality academic staff in public universities in Uganda

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa continuously face the problem of academic staff retention, affecting the development of Nations. This study examines how compensation strategies influence retention of high-quality staff in public universities in Uganda with staff designation as moderating factor. Data was collected from five public universities using a questionnaire and interviews. The findings show that job security (β = 0.153), salary (β = 0.149), promotion (β = 0.176), and recognition (β = 0.216) at 0.05 predicted staff retention. The study concludes that effective compensation packages should consider factors beyond standard salary regulations, according to the findings of the study. Interviews also revealed that the criteria and the time required for promotion, along with the failure to meet requirements, discourage staff and thereby affecting retention.