The Multifaceted Nature of Job Satisfaction among Academic Staff in Public and Private Universities in Tanzania: A Critical Perspective of Counterproductive Behaviours

Abstract

This study investigated the multifaceted nature of job satisfaction among academic staff in the selected public and private universities in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey design with mixed research approaches was employed. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to get a total sample of 128 respondents; 84 from public and 44 from private universities. Data were collected by using four scale Likert-type questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review techniques. The study findings indicated varying job satisfaction levels among the academic staff in public and private universities in Tanzania. Despite the same regulatory authority of universities in Tanzania (Tanzania Commission of Universities –TCU), experiences of the academic staff working in universities were different on their work benefits, relationship with their leaders and communication feedbacks. On the other hand, the study revealed existing counterproductive behaviours which are detrimental to the attainment of universities’ core functions of teaching, research and consultancy. In spite their severity, counterproductive behaviours ranging from conflicts, absenteeism, revenge, emotional cruelty, divided loyalty and intention to quit (job exit) were reported as among the main threats to public and private universities in Tanzania. This study suggests that university leadership needs to consider factors such as fairness in promotion, improving work benefits and effective communications among others, to create a friendly organizational culture. It is also recommended that there should be dialogue, through regular academic staff meetings, effective communication, and enough academic freedom to foster a culture of curiosity, autonomy, and trust in public and private universities in Tanzania.