Effectiveness and Preference of Recognition Strategies for Academic Staff Retention among Selected Private Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

This study soughht to establish effectiveness and preference of recognition strategies for academic staff retention among selected private higher learning institutions in Tanzania. The study used the descriptive research design. Out of the population of 180 potential participants, 132 were sampled and only 119 filled a questionnaire and a few were interviewed. Data was treated through descriptive statistics and thematic approach. The study concludes that members of the academic staff are interested being recognized by their employers even through informal and low cost methods. Therefore, the study recommends that each private HLIs in Tanzania considers formulating policies that take into account recognition strategies for retention of its members of academic staff. Some of these strategies could be sponsoring long training and career development opportunities. This will motivate the academic staff to stay and attract new comers to join.