Factors Affecting Sustainability of Private Vocational Training Institutions in Uganda. A case Study of Kampala District.

Abstract

This study aimed at analysing factors that affect sustainability of private vocational training institutions in Kampala district, Uganda. The study followed a case study design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population included; board of governors, heads of institutions, finance department staff and instructors from private vocational training institutions of faith based, non governmental organizations and private/ individual orientation. A self administered questionnaire following a 5-point Likert scale was used. In addition, interviews, focus group discussion guides and observation checklist were used. The response rate was fifty five percent (55%). The data were analysed using different statistical techniques which included descriptive statistics, multiple and hierarchical regression. Regression results indicated that government policies, mobilization strategy development, resource gap identification and participative leadership in that order had the highest effect on the sustainability. The influence of moderating variable was significant only under delegative leadership. Conclusions made indicated that leadership style dimension had the least effect, mobilization process had a moderate effect while policy environment had the highest effect on sustainability. Recommendations drawn from the study were that heads of institutions should adopt participative leadership style, enforce training of staff and top management in mobilization strategy development. The Government should formulate policies and strategies to regulate institution owners’ influence on the management of private vocational training institutions. In addition, the Government should provide adequate funds to develop the infrastructure. Further research will consider factors like political and economic environments that could affect sustainability, in addition to influence of international policies on vocational training in private institutions.