Academic staff motivation and effectiveness of graduate supervision: a case of college of Education and External Studies, Makerere University

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between academic staff motivation and effectiveness of graduate supervision in the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University. This was in light of concerns about ineffective supervision leading to low completion rates and delayed completion of graduate studies in the University. Informed by the expectancy theory, the study examined the relationship between personal goals of academic staff, working conditions, student characteristics and effectiveness of graduate supervision. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire from 50 respondents. With the aid of IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Version 21.0), data was analyzed using descriptive statistics at the univariate level, at the bivariate level, Karl Pearson‟s linear correlation coefficient test was used. A positive, moderate correlation was established between personal goals of academic staff and effectiveness of graduate supervision (r = 0.306), and working conditions and effectiveness of graduate supervision (r = 0.350 p-values). The relationship between student characteristics and effectiveness of graduate supervision was found to be weak and statistically insignificant (r = 0.246). The study concludes that personal goals and favorable working conditions drive the academic staff in CEES to supervise graduate students effectively, student characteristics may drive the academic staff to supervise graduate students effectively, but not in a strong way. It is recommended that the Directorate of Graduate Training, Makerere University, together with the management of CEES should institute a system of monetary rewards/allowances and recognition for supervisors of graduate students to enhance their personal gratification and career growth; improve infrastructure and facilities, and provide adequate institutional support to make the graduate supervision environment conducive; and expand the graduate admissions criteria to incorporate motivation and commitment statements to ensure admission of students with desirable characteristics.