STAFFING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN CHURCH OF UGANDA-FOUNDED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN GREATER ANKOLE DIOCESES

Purpose: This study investigates how staffing strategies, defined as worker experience, employee skills, and decision-making, correlate with the financial health of Church of Uganda-Founded Private Secondary Schools within the Greater Ankole Dioceses. These schools are vital for expanding educational access, yet their financial performance often faces challenges. The role of human resource management, specifically in terms of worker experience, employee skills, and decision-making, in their economic stability is a key focus. Design Methodology/Approach: A mixed-methods approach integrated survey data from school leaders with insights from in-depth interviews integrating quantitative survey data from 365 school leaders and qualitative interviewsto comprehensively assess the relationship between staffing and financial performance. Staffing, defined as worker experience, employee skills, and decision-making, was evaluated using measures reflecting recruitment effectiveness, professional development opportunities, and the level of staff involvement in decision-making. Financial performance was assessed using indicators such as consistent revenue streams and the ability to meet operational costs. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to provide contextual depth. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA) were conducted to validate the constructs used in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Reliability and validity were established through Cronbachs alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted, ensuring the robustness of the findings. Findings: The findings indicate that well-structured staffing strategies particularly those emphasizing worker experience, employee skills, and collaborative decision-making are significantly linked to improved financial performance. Schools that invest in these aspects of their workforce tend to demonstrate better financial outcomes, while those facing limitations in these areas often encounter ongoing economic difficulties. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results highlights the critical role of human capital, defined by worker experience, employee skills, and decision-making, in sustaining the financial well-being of these schools.