Hierarchical Effect of Psychosocial Factors and Job Satisfaction on Academic Staff Commitment to the University: The Case of University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

The determinants of staff retention and productivity in higher education institutions are of enduring importance to both researchers and policymakers. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incremental effects of psychosocial factors and job satisfaction on academic staff commitment to the University of Cape Coast (UCC). A quantitative descriptive survey design was used and 268 academics were recruited via stratified random sampling technique. The response rate was 97.4% with an instrument reliability coefficient of 0.857. Data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The study found that academics generally perceived psychosocial factors positively, although to varying degrees. The order of importance of the predictors of the commitment of academics was work-family conflict > work environment > promotion. Job satisfaction on its own, contributed 50.6% to the commitment levels of academics. However, when job satisfaction was combined with psychosocial factors, the level of commitment of academics increased by almost thirty-five percent, suggesting that psychosocial factors and job satisfaction of academics had positive and incremental effect on the commitment of academic staff to the University. Management of the University should put in place measures that will help enhance staff job satisfaction and commitment through guidance and counselling interventions.