Attration and retention of qualified academics at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus

Abstract

Purpose This study examined the extent to which the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus (NWU, MC) is managing to attract and retain properly qualified academics. Methodology This predominantly quantitative study has questionnaires responded to by hundred and sixty respondents and survey money responded to by fifty-two respondents were used to gather data from deans, directors and teaching staff at the NWU, MC and from other universities. Findings Attraction and retention of properly qualified and experienced academics emerges as a University's key strategic mandate as such personnel champions an institution's quest to deliver quality teaching-learning, research and community engagement. The study also notes that the NWU, MC is not doing well in terms of attracting and retaining properly qualified academics, a regrettable trend. The need for a proper mix of workload, work and personal life balance, remuneration and promotion among others emerged as key attraction and retention tenets. Conclusion The study concludes that attraction and retention of academics is a global challenge. The NWU, MC and other affected universities need to do all they can to curtail the challenge so that they can attract and retain properly qualified and experienced academics for them to boost their throughput and graduation rates. These achievements, among others would ensure that the university' customers would be satified at the same time the university would attract funding. Recommendation It emerges that a university that offers longer contracts stands better chances to attract and retain academics. To this end, this study shares several pertinent insights that can help the NWU, MC ameliorate the challenge.