Investigation on factors contributing to high staff turnover among secondary school teachers in Ohangwena region, Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to high staff turnover in Ohangwena educational region in Namibia. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the life cycle theory of staff retention underpinned this study. The study design was exploratory research design within a qualitative approach. Ten teachers were selected from three purposefully selected secondary schools in Ohangwena educational region. Data were collected by means of semi-structured face-to-face in depth interviews with the aid of an interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and field notes were taken. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data. The participants indicated that poor working conditions in Ohangwena regional schools were fuelling the staff turnover. The researchers concluded that the government should improve the working conditions of the teachers in Ohangwena educational region, construct staff houses and provide piped water and electricity.