Determinants of Presenteeism: A Study on Non-Academics in State Higher Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Presenteeism was defined in this research as the extent of engaging in personal works while being at work by non-academics. Existing literature reveals a deficiency in theoretical and empirical knowledge on antecedents of presenteeism. This study explores the determinants of presenteeism of non-academic staff in State Higher Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka. Participants were university administraive officers and they were asked to report on the presenteeism behaviour of non-academic staff, as supervising officers. A technique called Nominal Group Technique was applied for determining the factors which contribute to presenteeism of non-academics and prioritizing the identified factors. 15 experienced university administrative officers were participated. 24 factors were identified and they include Lack of work, Family commitments (Childcare/Eldercare), Inadequate supervision, Long distance of travelling between home and workplace, No punishment/restrictions imposed for engaging in personal work, Family/Personal problems, Bad office culture, Job stress, Unavailability of performance-based pay scheme, Conflicts with supervisor, etc. Prioritizing resulted in Lack of awareness on ethics being the most important determinant of presenteeism of non-academics, Unavailability of performance-based pay scheme being the second most important determinant, and Wrong attitudes about the work being the third most important determinant. Implications were discussed.