Academic Staff Mobility in Tanzania’s Higher Learning Institutions: Understanding the Push and Pull Factors

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the push and pull factors for employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions. Specifically, the study anticipated to 1)  determine the trend of employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions, 2) explore the factors for employees’ mobility in higher learning institutions  and 3) recommend how higher learning institutions may devise motivation and retention strategies to minimise employee mobility. The study employed  an exploratory case study design to allow the use of various qualitative data collection methods and tools. Purposive sampling was used to obtain  respondents from four selected higher-learning institutions. Data collected from interviews were analysed using NVivo 12 Plus computer-based software.  Findings indicate that the push and pull factors for academic staff mobility in the selected higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam,  Tanzania, are multiple, including workplace restructuring, institutional politics, failure to meet the required academician’s needs and demands,  healthrelated factors, good salary pay, need to join their families after a long period of staying away, work motivation, friendly welfare policies and good  working climate. The study recommends having different employee retention strategies ranging from good governance/leadership, friendly human  resource-related policies that are objectively implemented, flexible management that are open for discussion, and views to fair motivational packages.