Academic staff recruitment and retention at the Technikon Free State : issues and recommendations

Abstract

The recruitment and retention of academic staff members is emerging as one of the biggest challenges facing all higher education institutions, including the Technikon Free State (TFS). The TFS is also faced with statutory requirements to increase the equity numbers at the institution. The aim of this article is to examine the academic staff problem at the TFS by means of a SWOT analysis and questionnaires, sent to all academic staff. The SWOT analysis was used to determine the current situation at the TFS, while the questionnaires provided valuable information in driving and restraining forces in managing academic staff issues. The article is concluded with a list of recommendations that could assist management in the process of human resource planning.