Managing Private Basic Schools in Ghanaian Context: Human Resource Management Challenges of Owner-Managers in Akuapem South Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the human resource management challenges facing the owner-managers of private basic schools in Akuapem South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It was a qualitative study underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm and employed a case study design. The sample of the study comprised 8 owner-managers selected through the maximal variation sampling technique. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data, which was analysed thematically. The study revealed, among others, that the human resource management challenges facing the owner-managers included a high teacher attrition rate, parents' failure to attend meetings, and the failure of education authorities to perform their expected roles in private school management. The study concluded, among others, that the owner-managers of private schools face the challenge of retaining teachers whom they train after recruitment because of unmet salary expectations. The teachers often move to other schools with relatively higher salaries offered after they are trained, requiring the owner-managers to regularly recruit new teachers. The study, therefore, recommended that the leadership of the private school associations in the municipalities should structure the teacher salaries in the area. Making salaries equitable has the potential to ensure teacher retention. Teachers could also be offered promotional or advancement opportunities, which could be aligned with teacher qualifications and salary as a mechanism for their retention.