Predictors of attrition intention and work-related stress among Tutors in Colleges of Education in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined predictors of attrition intention and work-related stress among tutors in Colleges of Education in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, a comprehensive structured questionnaire was adapted and administered to 400 tutors who were randomly sampled from sixteen public Colleges of Education across the country. However, responses from 361 participants were retrieved and finally included in the study. Seven research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the demographic data of respondents while inferential statistics (Multiple regression, Pearson Product Moment correlation, Independent Sample T-Test, One-Way ANOVA, and Hayes moderation process) were used to analyse the research hypotheses. The study revealed that the combined predictors of attrition intention could have a significant impact on tutor attrition in Colleges of Education in Ghana. However, there were variations in the impact of the predictors, with remuneration, physical environment and safe working conditions having higher significance that could impact tutor attrition. The findings further indicated that, workload had a statistically significant positive but weak relationship with work-related stress among tutors. This suggests that as workload increases, work related stress also tends to increase, and vice versa. Further, the analysis again revealed that female tutors reported higher levels of work-related stress compared to male tutors. The difference was statistically significant, indicating that gender plays a role in work related stress experienced by tutors. The study recommended that, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Ghana Tertiary Education Commission should conduct a comprehensive review of the salary structure in public Colleges of Education to address remuneration concerns and consider implementing additional incentives to improve tutor satisfaction and retention. It was also recommended that, Management of Colleges of Education, in collaboration with Ghana Tertiary Education Commission should develop workload management guidelines and policies to effectively distribute workload, optimize timetabling, and provide necessary support and resources to reduce work-related stress among tutors.