An Assessment of Human Resource Management Practices on Newly Appointed Teachers in Secondary Schools in Gwembe District, Zambia

Abstract

The study assessed the human resource management practices on newly appointed teachers in secondary schools in Gwembe District. The objectives of the study examined teachers` biographics, the effects of human resource planning and human resource training and development on organizational effectiveness, assessed and determined the influence of employee recognition and the extent to which work place climate influenced teacher effectiveness in secondary schools. Descriptive research method was employed. The target population comprised 16 secondary schools and 212 teachers. A sample contained 14 schools and 112 teachers (8 per school). All the 7 senior schools with grades 8-12 were purposively selected and out of the 9 junior schools with grades 8-9, only 7 schools were simple randomly selected and used. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used. A pilot study was conducted in two schools to determine the reliability of instruments. An Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.890 was obtained which deemed the instrument reliable. The data collected was coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and content analysis. Findings from the study on demographics revealed that the teaching profession was dominated by males, majority teachers held Bachelor’s Degree, were married and have worked for about 10 years to 14 years. Other findings revealed that HR planning, training and development, employee recognition programs and work place climate had a positive and significant influence on organizational and teacher effectiveness. The study concluded that teachers were not given job descriptions; orientations were not done. The majority teachers were not confirmed within 3/6 months of their appointment. Schools lacked effective communication and management did not involve staff in decision making. Also, teachers refused of having a health scheme supported by the government. The study recommended that job descriptions should be given to newly appointed teachers at the initial stage. Adequate orientation should be conducted. Teachers should be confirmed within 3/6 months. Management should enhance effective communication and involve staff in decision making at all times. The government should support teachers practically with health scheme not just on paper.