Abstract
Purpose – The primary aim of this study is to delve into the causes of occupational stress and burnout
amongst administrative staff members in Pakistani universities. It does so by employing a qualitative
research strategy, offering a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a qualitative research strategy to examine the causes of
occupational stress and burnout amongst administrative staff members in Pakistani universities. Around 20
semi-structured interviews were conducted via Teams with administrative employees in renowned
universities in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the Lahore region of Pakistan. Saldana’s (2014) structured
inductive data analysis method was used to analyse the collected data.
Findings – The study sheds light on the harsh realities faced by university administrative staff in Pakistani
universities. These include top management ineffectiveness, role ambiguity, role conflict, favouritism,
inequality, a communication gap with higher authorities, disparity of rewards and recognition, no career paths
and opportunities, feeble leadership, corruption, inappropriate use of power, mishandling of qualified staff and
non-acceptance of shifting roles from administration to academia. These are not just academic concepts but
real-life challenges that demand immediate attention.
Originality/value – The study’s findings have significant implications for Pakistan’s Ministry of Education.
Based on these findings, the recommendations proposed can serve as a roadmap for enhancing interpersonal
development, implementing career development programmes, succession planning and supporting university
administrative staff. These initiatives can lay the groundwork for achieving the UN Sustainable Development
Goal-4 targets, making this research a valuable resource for policymakers.
amongst administrative staff members in Pakistani universities. It does so by employing a qualitative
research strategy, offering a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a qualitative research strategy to examine the causes of
occupational stress and burnout amongst administrative staff members in Pakistani universities. Around 20
semi-structured interviews were conducted via Teams with administrative employees in renowned
universities in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and the Lahore region of Pakistan. Saldana’s (2014) structured
inductive data analysis method was used to analyse the collected data.
Findings – The study sheds light on the harsh realities faced by university administrative staff in Pakistani
universities. These include top management ineffectiveness, role ambiguity, role conflict, favouritism,
inequality, a communication gap with higher authorities, disparity of rewards and recognition, no career paths
and opportunities, feeble leadership, corruption, inappropriate use of power, mishandling of qualified staff and
non-acceptance of shifting roles from administration to academia. These are not just academic concepts but
real-life challenges that demand immediate attention.
Originality/value – The study’s findings have significant implications for Pakistan’s Ministry of Education.
Based on these findings, the recommendations proposed can serve as a roadmap for enhancing interpersonal
development, implementing career development programmes, succession planning and supporting university
administrative staff. These initiatives can lay the groundwork for achieving the UN Sustainable Development
Goal-4 targets, making this research a valuable resource for policymakers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 21 Jul 2024 |