Work Environment in Public and Private Universities: Focus on Imo and Anambra States of Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, we compared the work environment in public versus private universities in Imo and Anambra states, using an ex post facto design. The Staff in these universities constituted the population; while a sample of 225 was drawn using stratified random sampling. Data collection was carried using a researcher-constructed instrument called Staff Work Environment Questionnaire. Two hypotheses were formulated and analyzed using independent t-test at 0.05 alpha level and 223 degrees of freedom. Results showed a significant difference between public and private universities in terms of management/staff relationship in the aspects of friendly, supportive and harmonious relationships. Public and private universities differed significantly in staff conditions of service in the aspects of incentive scheme, academic freedom and job security. Public universities were found to have better conditions of service and management/staff relationships judging from their higher mean values. This was so because public universities enjoyed better funding and conducive environment than their private counterparts. It was therefore recommended that work environment in private universities in the aspects of management/staff relationship and staff condition of service should be made to compete favorably with that of public universities.

Keywords: Work environment, public and private universities, management/staff relationship, staff condition of service, school organization.