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Understanding the Psychology of Teacher Retention in the African Context

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  • Siyamthanda Wendy Mvana

    (University of South Africa, South Africa)

Abstract

The study explores the meta-theoretical context of teacher retention, focusing on psychological factors like organisational commitment, job satisfaction, and human resource retention practices. It highlights the evolution of retention strategies and emphasises their importance in the educational sector, particularly in Africa, where high teacher turnover affects the quality of education. The study discusses two retention models: Döckel's model, which identifies six key retention factors such as compensation, job characteristics, training and development opportunities, supervisor support, career advancement, and work-life balance; and Zin et al.'s model based on Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory. The Conservation of Resource (COR) theory acts as an overarching theoretical lens, positing that psychological resources such as work engagement, psychological capital, and occupational passion are crucial for retention. The study concludes by suggesting a psychosocial approach to teacher retention that can mitigate high turnover rates and improve educational quality, particularly in an African context.

Suggested Citation

  • Siyamthanda Wendy Mvana, 2025. "Understanding the Psychology of Teacher Retention in the African Context," Annals of the University of Craiova for Journalism, Communication and Management, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 11(1), pages 81-87, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:aucjcm:v:11:y:2025:i:1:p:81-87
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15851153
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Barbara Biasi, 2021. "The Labor Market for Teachers under Different Pay Schemes," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 13(3), pages 63-102, August.
    2. Siyamthanda Wendy Mvana, 2023. "Teacher Retention: Work Engagement, Psychological Capital, And Human Resource Retention Practices Satisfaction In South Africa," Annals of the University of Craiova for Journalism, Communication and Management, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 9(1), pages 93-105, December.
    3. Bolarinwa Dapo Alonge & Onajite Godwin Onnoh & Ogunmilade Johnson Olusesean & Olaoye Ajiboye Ojo & Olaniyi Oladele Nathaniel, 2020. "Working Conditions and Salary as Correlates of Teachers’ Productivity in Government-Owned Secondary Schools in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria," Journal of Educational Issues, Macrothink Institute, vol. 6(1), pages 8997-8997, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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