Challenges of Implementing Contract Policies for University Academics in Malawi: A Case of Mzuzu University
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| Title: | Challenges of Implementing Contract Policies for University Academics in Malawi: A Case of Mzuzu University |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Shawa, Lester B., Mgomezulu, Victor Y. |
| Source: | Africa Education Review. 2016 13(3-4):17-31. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2016 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, College Faculty, College Administration, Administrators, Teacher Administrator Relationship, Conflict, Conflict Resolution, Contracts, Educational Policy, School Policy, Critical Theory, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews, Content Analysis, Leadership Styles, Skill Development, Data Analysis, Tenure, Teacher Retirement, Age, Qualitative Research |
| Geographic Terms: | Malawi |
| DOI: | 10.1080/18146627.2016.1202550 |
| ISSN: | 1814-6627 |
| Abstract: | Utilising critical theory, we explored the causes of the conflict that arose between academic staff on fixed-term renewable contracts and university administrators at Mzuzu University in Malawi in order to draw lessons. We collected data using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and document analysis. Ten university employees were purposively selected for interviews. The results showed that the causes of the conflict were, in the view of the respondents a mixture of: 1) a mutually antagonistic relationship between academics and university administrators; 2) less-than-effective administration of contracts by the university leadership; 3) dispute with respect to the university council's views over the age of staff on contract; and 4) the university leadership's negative response to a group of academics who criticised the administration. We argue that these results suggest leadership skills were less-than-satisfactory on the part of university senior management. We offer suggestions that could improve such leadership skills. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 27 |
| Entry Date: | 2016 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1124107 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Utilising critical theory, we explored the causes of the conflict that arose between academic staff on fixed-term renewable contracts and university administrators at Mzuzu University in Malawi in order to draw lessons. We collected data using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and document analysis. Ten university employees were purposively selected for interviews. The results showed that the causes of the conflict were, in the view of the respondents a mixture of: 1) a mutually antagonistic relationship between academics and university administrators; 2) less-than-effective administration of contracts by the university leadership; 3) dispute with respect to the university council's views over the age of staff on contract; and 4) the university leadership's negative response to a group of academics who criticised the administration. We argue that these results suggest leadership skills were less-than-satisfactory on the part of university senior management. We offer suggestions that could improve such leadership skills. |
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| ISSN: | 1814-6627 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/18146627.2016.1202550 |
