Work Environment and Employee Satisfaction in Private Higher Education Institutions in Uganda

This study analysed the contribution of work environment to employee satisfaction in selected private universities in Uganda within the framework of corporate governance. Guided by the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), 2001, which mandates governance structures such as university councils and boards of trustees. The study explores how these roles influence workplace conditions and employee satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey design with a mixed-methods, exploratory approach was employed. The study focused on four private universities: Kampala International University (KIU), Ndejje University (NDU), Victoria University (VU), and Nkumba University (NU) with university staff (academic and administrative) as the unit of analysis. Out of a population of 610, a sample size of 242 was selected using Slovin’s formula at a 95% confidence level and 0.05 precision. Simple random sampling was used for survey participants, while purposive sampling selected 12 key informants for interviews. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires, and qualitative data through interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0, with linear regression and Pearson correlation applied to analyse the contribution of work environment (independent variable) to employee satisfaction (dependent variable). Findings revealed a moderate positive contribution of work environment to employee satisfaction (r = .485, p < 0.01). The model explained 23.5% (R² = 0.235) of the variance in employee satisfaction attributed to the work environment. University councils, boards of trustees, and management were identified as key actors in creating policies and conditions that support employee satisfaction. However, aspects such as promotions, supervision, and rewards were noted as gaps needing further investigation. The null hypothesis that work environment has no significant effect on employee satisfaction was rejected (β = .553, p < 0.01), underscoring the importance of governance in fostering conducive work environments in private universities.