Motivation and work attitude of academic staff in public universities in Uganda, a case of Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The study was set out to establish the factors of motivation that influence work attitude to generate knowledge on improving work attitude in public universities. It was carried out along the following objectives; to establish if better remuneration leads to contentment at work, if the working environment motivates staff interest in the job and whether institutional administrative policies motivate staff interest in the job. The study was conducted in Mbarara University and carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and an interview guide. It was analyzed along the research hypotheses that guided the study. The findings of the study showed that better remuneration, good working environment and good administrative policies need to be put in place. This is likely to promote good work attitude exhibited by contentment, interest and commitment at work. From the study, it was concluded that, better remuneration influences staff contentment. This was established from the positive relationships that were discovered in a number of issues. The study also concluded that the Working environment motivates staff interest in the job and finally, the study concluded, that there is a relationship between institutional administrative policies and motivation of staff commitment. From the study, the researcher proposed recommendations. These included: 1.The need to improve employees’ remuneration at all levels. 2. Promoting good interpersonal relationships among the staff members and 3. Making training opportunities open and accessible to all members of staff.