Factors influencing academic staff turnover in Tanzania higher learning institutions.

Varying dynamics in labour market in the world in general and Tanzania in particular has made labour turnover a common phenomenon among all employees including academic staffs of higher learning institutions. In the last two decades, Tanzania has experienced an unprecedented economic growth which has led to the establishment of new higher leaning institutions. These establishments has resulted in high demand for academic staff hence an increased staff turnover rate. The problem and effects of employee turnover has been the source of frustration in many organizations across industries, higher learning institutions being one of the sectors. This study examines the factors that influence the academic staff turnover in Tanzania Higher leaning Institutions and suggest ways to improve the situation. Sample of four higher learning institutions namely UDSM, IDM, Mzumbe, St Augustine University and Tumaini University were purposely selected and members of academic staff interviewed through random sampling- The data for this study were collected through questionnaires and documentary reviews. Findings of the study reveals that academic staff turnover in higher learning institutions is caused by several factors, including inadequate economic incentives, inadequate opportunities for fuller studies, poor supervision and few chances for carrier growth based on the findings, recommendations were drawn including the employing both economic and non-economic forms of motivation, creating environment that is conducive for teaching, lemming and personal development as well as the need for higher learning institutions management to work more closer with their academic employees in order to attain teamwork, good supervision and increase moral on the part of the employees.