Relationship Between Training and Performance of the Junior Teaching Staff in Kampala International University (Mu) Main Campus

ABSTRACT The study set out to investigate the causes of poor performance of the junior teaching staff and its effect on graduates of Kampala International University. The position held by the junior teaching staff is very vital if the University is to fulfill its mission of producing competent graduates. However, in order to realize that mission, junior teaching staff must be trained. A qualitative and quantitative, correlational cross-sectional study based on variables measured with numbers and analyzed by SPSS (Statistical package for social scientists) was carried out on a sample size of 90 full time junior teaching staff. Data was collected primarily through self-administered questionnaires and triangulated with the face-face interviews. The study revealed that the approaches of training junior teaching staff in Kampala International University include on-the-job and off-the-job approaches. However, both of these approaches have not been given the value they are worth. According to the study, more than a half of the junior teaching staff have never received either of the above training approach. Some junior teaching staff received such training but on very rare basis. The study inferred that the absence of coherent training program for the junior teaching staff has resulted into poor performance of the junior teaching staff thus the production of incompetent graduates by Kampala International University. Empirical evidence on the ground exemplified the failure of the junior teaching staff to beat deadlines, unable to complete course outlines on time, failure to produce exam results/marking as scheduled, x unable to handle students in crisis, unable to set targets for themselves, arriving late for lectures, failure to turn-up for lecturers without prior notifications to class representatives, unable to communicate effectively with students and so forth. All this has had a direct negative effect on the students who have gone through their respective course half baked. The good news however is that, the study has recommended to the management to revisit, redesign comprehensive training programs, implement, and constantly evaluate the training programs for the junior teaching staff in Kampala International University. As a means of motivation, the study has also recommended that training must be followed by rewards where effective performance becomes evident. This is the only way forward to combating poor performance of the junior teaching staff that has contributed to producing of incompetent graduates by Kampala International University.