Talent management and retention of academic staff at Gulu University

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of talent management on retention of academic staff of Gulu University Uganda. The objectives of the study were establish the influence of career path management on retention of academic staff; to find out the influence of performance appraisal on retention of academic staff; and to determine the influence of training opportunities on retention of academic staff of Gulu University. The study adopted cross-sectional research design on a sample of 158 academic staff. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics specifically the means and inferential methods that were Pearson Linear Correlation and multiple regression analyses. Descriptive results revealed that retention of academic staff was high as well as career path management, and training. However, performance appraisal was moderate. Regression results indicated that while career path management and training had a positive and significant influence on academic staff retention, performance appraisal had a negative significant one. It was concluded that at Gulu University and other similar institutions, weak performance appraisal impeded retention of academic staff, and training is vital for retention of academic staff at Gulu University and other similar institutions. The study recommended that university managers at Gulu University and other similar institutions should establish a clear career path management for academic staff, supervisors and human resource directors in and Gulu University and other universities should strengthen performance to enhance retention of academic staff, and managers of Gulu University and other universities should provide training to enhance retention of academic staff.