Challenges of implementing contract policies for university academics in Malawi: a case of Mzuzu University

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Periodical article

Title:	Challenges of implementing contract policies for university academics in Malawi: a case of Mzuzu University
Authors:	Shawa, Lester B. Mgomezulu, Victor Y.
Year:	2016
Periodical:	Africa Education Review (ISSN 1753-5921)
Volume:	13
Issue:	3-4
Pages:	17-31
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Malawi
Subjects:	universities academics contracts
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2016.1202550
Abstract:	Utilising critical theory, the authors explored the causes of the conflict that arose between academic staff on fixed-term renewable contracts and university administrators at Mzuzu University in Malawi in order to draw lessons. They collected data using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and document analysis. Ten university employees were purposively selected for interviews. The results showed that the causes of the conflict were, in the view of the respondents a mixture of: 1) a mutually antagonistic relationship between academics and university administrators; 2) less-than-effective administration of contracts by the university leadership; 3) dispute with respect to the university council's views over the age of staff on contract; and 4) the university leadership's negative response to a group of academics who criticised the administration. The authors argue that these results suggest leadership skills were less-than-satisfactory on the part of university senior management. They offer suggestions that could improve such leadership skills. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]