Influence of organizational support on teacher retention in public primary schools in Machakos county, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the influence of organizational teacher support on teacher retention in public primary schools in Machakos County. The study objective sought to establish the influence of organizational support practices on teacher retention in public primary schools in Machakos County. The study was based on Fredrick Herzbergs’ Two-Factor Theory. Mixed method research approach using sequential type of design was employed to target 898headteachers, 8768 teachers, a TSC Director of education and 9 TSC sub-county directors. The study adopted Census, stratified proportionate and simple random sampling techniques to select a sample of 90headtechers and 382 teachers. The 9 TSC directors were selected using census sampling. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for collection of data. To achieve quality data, the researcher prior to main data collection did piloting to gauge the validity and reliability of the tools used. The piloted schools were then excluded in the main data collection exercise. Descriptive statistics and inferential was used to analyze data with the aid of statistical package for social sciences(SPSS). Quantitative data was analyzed quantitatively as well as by using inferential statistics. Analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution tables. This was done by use of the Anova models and regression coefficients. Correlation analysis was done using Pearsons’ Correlation Coefficient(r) and Pearsons’ Chi Test (p) to determine the strength and significance level between the variables. The study findings indicated that there was statistically significant relationship between provision of organizational support practices to teachers and their retention; alpha level of 0.05,F=1147.980; 0.000<0.05. The analysis of the qualitative data was done by organizing data in themes based on study objectives and presented in a narrative form. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education introduces a unit in curriculum or syllabus to teach induction and mentorship as a Core Professional subject. This would train or induct teachers on key determinants of teacher retention; like provision of organizational teacher support to enhance their required length of stay in a station. This would holistically promote quality performance in our public schools in Machakos County, Kenya.