Effectiveness of Staff Union’s Participation in Decision-Making at the University of Cape Coast

Abstract

This study examines the Effectiveness of the Stajf Union’s Participation in Decision Making at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) using descriptive survey design. The population for the study consisted of Ghana Association of University Administrators (GA UA), University Teachers* Association of Ghana (UTAG), Senior Staff Association (SSA) and Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU) members. Census technique was used to select all the staff unions at UCC while proportional stratified sampling method was used to select one hundred and fifteen (115) respondents from the unions. William Kahn’s Theory of Employee Engagement was used as the theoretical basis for the study. Data were obtained using self-structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency and percentages. Results reveal that employee unions' participation in decision-making is less organised, union executives exercise control over union decisions and management is unwilling to share decision-making with employees. Additionally, management is identified as an authoritarian imposing decision on unions. Finally, management sees employees as antagonists because of the fear of the unknown on the part of employees. Consequently, the study recommends that the management of the University should interact with employees to deliberate on issues in the organisation and develop a policy to ensure all staff sentiments and opinions are subject to merit.