Institutional Mergers and the Staffing Function: An Evaluation of Kyambogo University

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the effect of merging institutions of higher learning on staff recruitment, development and retention at Kyambogo University. The study was guided by three objectives namely; (i) to examine the effect of institutional mergers on staff recruitment in Kyambogo University, (ii) to find out the effect of institutional mergers on staff development in Kyambogo University and (iii) to establish the effect of institutional mergers on staff retention in Kyambogo University. The study used a cross sectional research design guided with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches to gather data from 60 respondents. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to establish the effect of institutional merging on staff recruitment, development and retention. The findings revealed that (i) as a result of merging institutions, recruitment of staff became problematic, (ii) staff development activities retarded after institutional mergers and (iii) retention of staff became a problem as the majority of staffs were dismissed due to lack of qualification, skills and fear due to uncertainty while others resigned and sought for employment elsewhere. The researcher concluded that institutional merging negatively affects (i) staff recruitment, (ii) staff development and (iii) staff retention. Therefore, the researcher recommended that University administrators should diversify staff recruitment policies by sourcing out competent staff from both within and outside the institution through wider advertisement of vacant staff positions and open recruitment processes. It was also recommended that administrators and policy makers of institutions intending to merge should also spell out clear policies and guidelines of managing the whole merger process in order to achieve intended results by offering adequate and fair staff remuneration packages in order to enhance high retention among staff.