Motivation and Teacher Absenteeism in Selected Public and Private Secondary Schools in Kyenjojo District Uganda

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between teacher motivation and teacher absenteeism in selected public and private secondary schools. In gathering information, the research study employed both primary and secondary sources. The study was guided by the following objectives; To determine the demographic characteristics of teachers as to age, gender, education qualifications and teaching experience. To determine the level of teacher’s motivation in selected secondary schools. To determine the level of teacher’s absenteeism in selected secondary schools. To establish the relationship between teacher motivation and absenteeism. The primary source was mainly through the distribution of questionnaires and the secondary sources were journals, periodicals, news papers and articles on the internet. The study used descriptive correlation and comparative survey design. Ten secondary schools from Kyenjojo District-Uganda were selected to serve as sample schools, using a systematic list sampling method. 150 teachers (including head teachers) were selected; (ten teachers from each school) to act as respondents. Tables were used in organizing the data and the Pearson’s co-efficient of correlation was the technique employed in analyzing the data. The findings indicated that most respondents were aged between 20-29 years, majority were males, majority were diploma holders and over 30% had an experience of 3-7years and above. There was a low level of motivation. However, the level of motivation was found to be highest on the behavior of students in class. The level of teachers’ absenteeism was also found to be generally high. The findings also indicated a positive significant relationship between motivation and teacher absenteeism, indicating that an improvement in motivation of teachers reduces their absenteeism at school.