Socio-Cultural Factors and Competencies of Senior Staff in Public Universities: The Hierarchical Mediation Role of Staff Satisfaction and Sense of Belonging

Abstract

The study examined the influence of socio-cultural factors of public universities on senior staff competencies, taking into consideration the hierarchical mediation role of staff satisfaction and sense of belongingness. The design employed was descriptive cross-sectional survey. A recommended sample of 356 permanent staff was obtained from a population of 3,159 permanent senior staff of three autonomous public universities in Ghana. After selecting three premium universities, one from each of the zones in Ghana, purposively, the proportional and computer random sampling procedures were used to select the senior staff. A questionnaire was the instrument used. In order to test the stated hypotheses, the data were analysed using statistical tools such as hierarchical multiple regression cum mediation analyses. The study found that socio-cultural factors such as social networks, reward/ promotion, discrimination free culture, orientation, control/power, roles/responsibilities and work value systems have weak influence on staff competencies. However, the influence becomes strong when staff satisfaction in the socio-cultural factors is considered sequentially. It is, therefore, recommended to head of departments, support units and central administration of the universities to ensure that there is even-handedness work environment with supportive social networking among all members of the university. This can be done through biannual organisation of inter-staff and inter-departmental social re-orientation activities and re-familiarisation parties with sporting, gaming and funfair activities. This intervention can be used as an administrative support system to help boost staff happiness.