Nagaland private college teachers not ‘satisfied’ with their jobs, reveals study

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 18 (EMN): A research study has revealed that a majority of private college teachers in Nagaland are not ‘satisfied’ with their current job, while salaries and benefits were found to be the most influencing factors in determining the satisfaction level of college teachers in the state.

The study was published in a book titled ‘A comparative study of human resource management practices in government and private colleges of Nagaland’, authored by Dr. Gopal Chetri, vice principal of Oriental College, Kohima and Dr. Ratan Kaurinta, assistant professor in the Department of Commerce, Nagaland University, and released in Kohima on Tuesday.

 “Private college teachers in Nagaland are not satisfied with their current job due to lack of incentives given by the college management and consider themselves less privileged than their counterparts and are ready to leave their post anytime if they get a better job option. This results in high employee turnover in private colleges of Nagaland”, the study revealed.

It also stated that private colleges are unable to provide competitive salary and other benefits mainly due to poor funding patterns and changing policies over the years. Therefore, the teachers’ salary is significantly lower than that of government colleges. Besides, there is no uniformity of salaries even among the private colleges.

Some colleges engage contract teachers which sometimes become detrimental to quality education, as they are appointed without conducting proper interviews, it added.

‘On the contrary, government college teachers are governed by established rules and thus the teachers are enjoying the benefits of government employees. The teachers are more satisfied and content with their profession because of salaries and growth prospects in their job’, the study said.

The study concluded that effective human resource management (HRM) practices motivate employees towards work which improves employees as well as organisational performance.

‘A sound HRM practice has a significant impact on the successful operation of higher educational institutions. Therefore, proactive HRM practices are required for the overall growth of higher education’, it said.

The study also suggested the government come out with a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of education in Nagaland. The minimum criteria laid down by the UGC should be adhered to while appointing college teachers to ensure the ‘right man for the right job’.

The author of the book, Dr. Gopal Chetri was awarded the degree of doctor of philosophy in commerce, Nagaland University, for this book, under the supervision of co-author, Dr. Ratan Kaurinta.

On releasing the book, Chetri informed that it took them five years to complete the book.

‘The study is an attempt to find out the differences in HRM practices between the government and private colleges of Nagaland. It also involves in-depth investigation into the recruitment, selection, training and placement procedure, working conditions, career advancement process, job satisfaction, payments and benefits in the colleges of Nagaland’, he said.

The book was released by professor PK Deka, head of the department of Commerce, NU.