Socio-economic and Institutional Determinants of Labour Turnover among Private Secondary School Teachers in Lagos, Nigeria

This study examined the interplay of socio-economic and institutional determinants that influence turnover among teachers in private secondary schools in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Lagos. The study was anchored on Organisational Justice Theory and adopted a cross-sectional survey with mixed-methods approach. A total of 422 copies of a study questionnaire were administered to teachers, and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted with principals/proprietors to collect primary data. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data analysis were employed. This study found that job satisfaction is a pivotal factor influencing turnover, with a significant majority of respondents identifying its absence as a prime de-motivator. Dissatisfaction was clearly exacerbated by constrained freedom, high workloads, and a dearth of avenues for creativity and personal initiative, potentially stifling professional growth. Moreover, the study identified leadership style as a critical determinant, with a substantial proportion of respondents attributing turnover to its inadequacies. Teachers were resolute in expressing discontent regarding salary, benefits, and the lack of promotion prospects and performance appraisals, which contributed to a sense of stagnation and turnover intentions. Principals and Proprietors, however, identified other factors such as lack of understanding, contentment among teachers and profit-making philosophy of their schools as factors contributing to teachers’ turnover. The study concluded that absence of long service awards, high workload, opportunities to utilise creativity and personal initiative, promotion prospects, performance appraisal, and job security engendered uncertainty distinctly amplified the likelihood of turnover. Therefore, concerted and stanch efforts should be made by the educators to bolster teachers’ satisfaction in ensuring the sustenance of quality education in the region.