Fourteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Universities spend substantial amounts of resources on training and development initiatives annually to equip talented staff to fill critical positions. This paper aims to report on the views of administrative staff (including all staff except academic staff) at a higher education distance learning university in South Africa on career advancement realities. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the career advancement barriers that may exist at the university. A mixed-method research approach was adopted and fourteen staff members who completed a leadership development programme at the university was purposefully selected. Significant results are that career advancement is limited due to poor communication regarding training opportunities and departmental goals. The lack of career guidance, retention strategies and promotional prospects further contribute to disappointing career advancement opportunities. On the positive side, the participants remain optimistic and they will extend themselves beyond what is expected of them. Possible implications for managers are that low morale and productivity will result in disgruntled talented employees, possible resignation of future leaders, and the non-attainment of department goals. The results of this study could alert university management to revise retention and promotional strategies for administrative staff, an essential cohort that a university cannot afford to neglect.