Teacher Needs Management and Retention of Generation Y Teachers in Private Secondary Schools in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

First-class employees are a rare species. Once found, retaining them is a big challenge, particularly if they belong to the Generation Y age group. Reports show that many Generation Y teachers are deserting private secondary schools for greener pastures elsewhere. This study enquires into the relationship between teacher needs management and retention of Generation Y teachers in private secondary schools of Mukono District (Uganda). The study employs a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interview guide, and documentary review checklist. Results reveal that the three needs management areas have a significant and positive correlation with the retention of Generation Y teachers. However, only achievement needs management was strongly correlated. The study concludes that as far as the retention of Generation Y teachers is concerned, affiliation and power needs management play only an ancillary role. Achievement needs seem to house the ‘magic bullet’- particularly if accompanied by monetary rewards. Thus, for the retention of Generation Y teachers, schools should devise prompt monetary reward practices as a generation-specific retention strategy.