Living Standard of Academic Staff at Haramaya University

Abstract

Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs suggests that human beings cannot reach the level of self-actualization in the event that their basic needs are not properly fulfilled, i.e., physiological needs and needs related to security. This study is an effort to test the theory against the living standard of instructors of Haramaya University (the researchers explore where academic staff are leveled). A qualitative approach was employed to make an empirical investigation of living conditions of instructors in this particular university and its implication on imparting quality education. To do so, the study was attempted from a phenomenographic viewpoint by identifying four themes of conceptions of living standards of academic staff. These include (1) salary, (2) housing, (3) job security, and (4) self-esteem. The findings of the study revealed that, among other things, poor living conditions of higher education staff, rising living cost, inadequate monthly salaries, derisory housing allowances, and lack of job security made it extremely difficult to change the workplace and resulted in low morale and poor self-esteem of the teaching staff. It is difficult to imagine high-quality education without high-quality instructors. To improve the quality of higher education, basic needs of academic staff must be met; educational inputs must be fulfilled, and the teaching profession should be made more attractive and an important priority of the government.