Employee relations practices and academic staff performance of public universities: a case of Gulu University

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effect of Employee relations practices on the academic staff performance of public universities in Uganda drawing on a case of Gulu University. The specific objectives of the study were; (a) to examine the effect of Employee communications on the academic staff performance of Gulu University, (b) to investigate the effect of Conflict resolution on the academic staff performance of Gulu University and (c) to examine the effect of Employee empowerment on the academic staff performance of Gulu University. The study adopted three hypotheses that were tested based on the objectives. The study was guided by two theories of human relations and equity theory. The study used a case study design where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected from a sample of 160 staff of the university were randomly selected using simple random sampling method. Regression analysis was used to address study objectives. Findings revealed that employee communication is a significant predictor of academic staff performance. It also revealed that conflict resolution significantly predicts academic staff performance and lastly it was revealed that employee empowerment also significantly predicts academic staff performance. The study concluded that universities that add more efforts on ensuring proper communication between employees, resolve conflicts amongst employees and empower their staff to make decisions are observed to report high levels of academic staff performance. The study therefore recommends Gulu university to strengthen the communication channels and procedures across the entire university so that the staff members can easily express their views and receive immediate feedback from management. It should also develop and strengthen the conflict management strategies in the institution especially at departmental levels. Lastly, the university should continuously empower staff through calling them upon to contribute in the brainstorming sessions at the departments.