Abstract:
This study examined the role of human resource policies on improvement of job satisfaction of
academic staff at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA). Speficially, the study examined the
current human resource policies that are implemented at IAA, analysed the perceived role of
the existing human resource policies in improving job satisfaction among academic staff at IAA,
and assessed constraints that affect IAA in implementing human resource policies. The study
applied the best practice theory and two-factor theory to establish the linkage between HR
policies and job satisfaction. A mixed method approach was applied to investigate the research
problem. The study population comprised 168 member who included 164 academic staff and 4
human resource officers. The sample size of 85 respondents was involved in the study. Data
were collected using a combination of structured questionnaires and interviews. Analysis of
questionnaire data was done through descriptive and regression statistics. At the same time,
analysis of interview data was done through narrative analysis technique. Generally, the
findings showed that IAA impalements several human resource policies such as Staff Training
and Development, Academic Staff Promotions Guidelines, Scheme of Service, OPRAS
Guidelines. The findings of the study highlighted that HR policies have helped to enhance
satisfaction with salaries, promotions, allowances, workload distribution, and work relations.
Moreover, HR policies have enhanced retention of senior academic staff, commitment and
loyalty. The study findings showed two constraints, including budget shortage, and central
government interference in human resource decisions. Budget shortage affects ability to
implement HR policies related to rewarding and recruitment and selection of sufficient academic
staff. The study concludes that despite the significance role of HR policies, their implementation
is affected by budget shortage and central government interference in human resource decision
making. The study recommends enhancing revenue mobilisation to improve effectiveness of
implementation of HR policies.
