The organisational commitment of academic personnel during WFH within private higher education, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed how higher education institutions operate and the work from home (WFH) operating model being widely implemented.

Research purpose: This study investigated the organisational commitment of academic personnel working from home within private higher education in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motivation for the study: While some studies exist to assess employees’ organisational commitment levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, no studies have evaluated this phenomenon within private higher education in South Africa.

Research approach/design and method: This study adopted a quantitative methodology. The target population comprised of 133 academic personnel employed at a private higher education institution. Data were collected using an online survey with the validated Three-Component Model (TCM) employee commitment questionnaire. A satisfactory response rate of 79% was realised.

Main findings: The study found that notwithstanding the struggles and unease brought about by the swift transformations to WFH because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the organisational commitment levels of academic personnel, specifically affective and normative commitment, were sustained.

Practical/managerial implications: Work from home is observed as a feasible and noteworthy work model for the foreseeable future. Therefore, private higher education should consider the findings of this study to manage the levels of organisational commitment from academic staff appropriately.

Contribution/value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding organisational commitment within a WFH context in private higher education.