Introduction
In the globalized world of today, education suffers retention difficulties, as many countries struggle to accommodate the ongoing educational expansion. The author of the present work aims to conduct a research study that will touch upon the social types of retention issues, which prove the need for social change in universities, Walden University specifically. The Ghanaian University face significant troubles with retention, and this case will be used for research. The results of the study will point out the specific social measures and skills required to both improve the situation with retention and, by contributing to educational staff staying in their institutions and gaining positive experience, training scholars ready for positive social change.
Social Skills in Ghanaian Universities
With Ghana being greatly influenced by the retention troubles at local universities, the matter has been the subject of several publications in recent years. The authors of these publications, having conducted surveys among the staff of the universities, point out the main reasons for retention problems. Of them, the most dependent on social skills are leadership and relations among colleagues; consequently, they will be the main focus of the projected study.
Leadership is a problematic matter in Ghana; especially concerning favoritism. 73.9 percent of respondents in a survey conducted by Odoom et al. indicate that it limits effectiveness (2018). Leaders, it is noted, should provide assistance and access to decision making to their employees (Boakye et al., 2022; Korantwi-Barimah, 2017). In a survey of 111 Senior Members of Ghanaian institutions, 64 percent mentioned working environment as an influential factor (Boakye et al., 2022). The limitation of stress and attainment of work goals ensure a healthy working environment (Odoom et al., 2018). Therefore, when leaders provide assistance and allow the staff to take part in decision making, while employees identify with the organization, the problems with retention are reduced.
Conclusion
The case of Ghana provides multiple notions on social skills required for both leadership and staff to create a healthy environment and avoid retention issues. The qualities such as openness of the leadership, absence of favoritism and staff having their say in decision-making are applicable to any country. At the same time, known studies on the matter only deal with social aspects of retention issues as part of the general retention problem. Further research on social retention issues will let more scholars work in healthy working environments under competent leadership, improving the social situation at universities.
References
Boakye, A.O., Arpoh-Baah, B., Odoom, D., Afram, K.O.-A.O., Addai, P., Agyemang, D. (2022). Employee retention in institutions of higher learning: a study of some selected university colleges in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice.
Korantwi-Barimah, J. S. (2017). Factors influencing the retention of academic staff in a Ghanaian Technical University. Scientific & Academic Publishing. Web.
Odoom, D., Amegatsey, S. K., Baah, B. A., & Okyere, I. (2018). Examining the recruitment and selection challenges faced by higher educational institutions in Ghana: evidence from Takoradi Technical University. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 7(12).