An Investigation into the Problem of Human Capital Burnout in the Public Service of Zimbabwe: A Case of Secondary School Teachers in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province.

Abstract

This study used both the qualitative and the quantitative research approaches in which the standardised Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents to measure the dimensions and prevalence of burnout. A sample of eighty-eight secondary school teachers in MaronderaDistrict was used. This was followed by face-to-face interviews which targeted five secondary school heads. The findings of the study indicated that a significant number of teachers experienced different levels of burnout ranging from moderate to high burnout. The research showed that the socio-demographic factors as well as gender, marital status and age were associated with the nature and level of burnout which secondary school teachers succumb to unknowingly in their career. This caused symptoms such as fatigue, stress, emotional imbalance, desire to leave the job for greener pastures, loneliness and general lack of enthusiasm, dislike of the job, poor performance,fanned illnesses and absenteeism to be prevalent among affected teachers. The findings also showed that poor reward system, work overload, lack of resources, lack of recognition, lack of awareness on the appropriate burnout coping strategies, lack of stress management skills, poor motivation techniques, inappropriate leadership styles and unfavourable work environment were some of the drivers of burnout among teachers.The study recommended training of educational managers and leaders such as school heads, heads of departments, inspectorsand education officers about the implications of burnout, its signs and symptoms, control, management and eradication strategies. Use of ICTs in teaching to reduce work overload, recreational facilities in schools, reduction of teacher pupil ratios, improvement of conditions of service such as leaves and remuneration were also recommended. The study also recommended that authorities should engage in burnout policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation aimed at managing burnout as a way to rejuvenate the teaching profession where many teachers are suffering unknowingly to a level that students continue to benefit less