Impact of Work Environment on Academic Staff Job Performance: Case of a Uganda University

Abstract

The problems of insufficient working environment coupled with low performance of academic staff in the high education sector in low and middle-income countries like Uganda, is receiving increased global attention. As such, this study was conducted to establish the impact of the prevalent work environment on academic staff job performance in Ugandan public universities, using Kyambogo University as a case. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to academic staff (n = 294) and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. The study profiles several important work environment factors that enhance don’s job performance. However, it has been established that at Kyambogo University such factors exist at a low level, this situation ought to be alleviated. It has also been established that the prevalent work environment significantly affect the job performance of dons. Accordingly, university management as a matter of top priority, should endeavour to put in place favourable work environment, if they want their institutions to be effective and efficient. This is buttressed by the presupposition that lack of good work environment, without any reasonable doubt, grossly impairs work performance of employees in any institution, regardless of context. Consequently, the institution in question more often than not, is likely to suffer from chronicle ineffectiveness and inefficiency. Thus, Kyambogo University management should: put in place good physical facilities, equipment and working spaces for academic staff; promote and/or reinforce healthier working practices and lifestyle choices; create favourable and flexible working conditions such as improved teamwork, among other things.

Keywords: academic staff, job Performance, Uganda, University, work environment.