Factors Affecting the Retention of Uganda National Examinations Board(UNEB) Examiners. A case of UNEB Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) Examiners

Abstract

This study assesses the factors affecting the retention of Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examiners with specific reference to Primary Leaving examinations. Geographically the study was particularly conducted at St.Maria Gorret Katende in Mpigi district, Covering period of five years(2008-2012)this period immediately precedes the start of the research and therefore has the most recent and relevant experiences regarding PLE marking. The research idea is summarised in a conceptual framework that portrays the relationships between the study variables. The study sought to examine the factors affecting retention of PLE examiners by UNEB in which motivational factors formed the independent variable while examiner retention was the dependant variable. Literature was reviewed under themes that reflect specific research objectives and the research variables, this aimed at exploring information gaps. In this study, a cross-sectional research design was used. This was adopted in order to collect data from several sample population frames in more or less the same period of time in the one marking centre selected to represent the other marking centres. The design was based on both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Particularly, the questionnaire and interview methods were used for data collection and both statistical and interpretive techniques were adopted for presentation and analysis of such data. Accordingly, the study findings reveal that there is a positive effect on the motivational factors as regards the retention of examiners at PLE marking level. In other words, when these examiners are not assured of such benefits like; a pay system which is commensurate with the amount of work that they are doing for the institution, favourable organisational policies and practices and a good working environment at marking centres, they are more likely not to stay on, It was therefore concluded that motivation is the most underlying factor in retaining examiners in the marking of PLE. Considering the research findings and conclusions, the study recommended for a clear reward structure, periodic revision of contracts signing, organisational policies and practices that meet the current trends of the working environment and the working conditions to be assessed periodically for a better retention strategy of examiners.