Abstract:
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is the institution of higher learning located in
kwaDlangezwa in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This University is facing
challenges which may affect staff morale. The aim of the study was to assess staff
morale and obtain reliable information from the academic and support staff, in order to
consider appropriate strategies for concerns for the well-being of all staff under study.
The literature review was conducted to determine if other entities had assessed the
employee morale. Research questions that were answered were: 1. What is the morale
level of academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)? 2. Which factors affect morale of
academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)? 3. What strategic ways or programmes
can be generated to uplift morale of academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)?
A self-administrated web-based survey approach was used in a census to collect data
among all 723 (UNIZULU) employees. The data was collected after distributing a
questionnaire to 108 participants from the sample of 144. The study revealed that the
level of staff morale at the (UNIZULU) is very low and identified factors that affect
morale of staff such as the University management, job expectations, involvement on
decision making, planning, support, human resources, communication, feedback to
staff, etc. It further revealed the strategic programmes to be used by (UNIZULU) in
uplifting morale of staff. It is recommended that the employee assistance programmes,
wellness programmes, regular team buildings, and management skills programmes be
offered.
Description:
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce in Industrial Psychology at the University of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2013.
