An Examination of the Challenges in Balancing Administrative Responsibilities, Teaching Loads, And Career Advancement through Publications in Ugandan Private Universities

Abstract

Balancing administrative responsibilities, teaching loads, and career advancement through publications is a key requirement for academic staff in private universities in Uganda. This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced in balancing these aspects in Ugandan private universities. Three specific objectives guided the study: exploring the impacts of administrative duties on faculty members; understanding how heavy teaching loads affect research productivity and career progression; and examining how publication demands influence faculty members' career development prospects. The study used a qualitative research design, employing a desk review methodology that involved analysing existing secondary data and information from various sources, including reports, databases, publications, and online resources, to highlight underlying issues related to the research problem. The findings indicated that faculty members face work-life balance and well-being issues that impact publication output. It was also established that heavy teaching loads hinder research productivity and career advancement. The study recommends that publications in Ugandan private universities should be achieved by the teaching staff, and emphasizes the need to balance administrative responsibilities and teaching loads to support career development.