Staff development programs and employee retention: a case study of Uganda Christian University
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Date
2026-05-20
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
Staff development programs have become a crucially important human resource strategy in the modern world. Organizations depend on them in order to improve employee competence, organizational commitment and retention. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of staff development programs on employee retention at Uganda Christian University, Mukono campus. The key staff development strategies which were considered included training and
development, mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities. A quantitative research approach using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were randomly distributed to university staff, and their responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and linear regression in SPSS. Out of the 162 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 valid responses were analyzed. The findings indicated that there is moderate implementation of staff development programs at UCU and that the employees generally perceive them positively. However, respondents also pointed out key challenges affecting the effectiveness of these programs. These included limited resources, heavy workloads and unequal access to development opportunities. The results further revealed moderately high levels of employee retention within the institution. Inferential analysis showed that there is a moderate positive relationship between staff development programs and employee retention (r= 0.427, p<0.05). This was a sign that improvements in staff development initiatives significantly increased employees’ likelihood of remaining within the institution. Regression analysis indicated that staff development initiatives are a potential predictor of retention at UCU, Mukono campus. The study concluded that staff development programs significantly contribute to employee retention at UCU. It recommended that the university management strengthen staff development policies through adequate funding, equitable access and regular evaluation to enhance their effectiveness and support long term staff retention.
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Undergraduate