Headteachers’ Leadership Role of Ensuring Fair and Just Compensation on Retention of Teachers in Catholic Primary Schools in Wau Diocese, South Sudan

This study aimed at examining how the headteachers’ role in ensuring fair and just compensation contributes to the retention of teachers in Catholic Primary Schools in Wau Diocese, South Sudan. The study was guided by Herzberg Two-Factor theory of motivation. The target population included 22 primary schools, 366 teachers, 22 principals and 1 director of education in the Catholic Diocese of Wau. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select 10 primary schools out of a total of 22. One hundred and ten teachers were sampled using stratified and simple random sampling, while 10 headteachers and 1 Director of education were sampled purposively. The study collected data using questionnaire and an interview guide. To assess the reliability of the quantitative instrument, the study employed the test-retest method. The data from the two schools were correlated, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.903, which indicated that the instruments were dependable and suitable for use. To ensure the credibility and dependability of the qualitative instrument, the researcher maintained an audit trail and conducted member checking. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Qualitative data from interviews were transcribed, coded, and grouped into thematic categories. The findings were presented through bar graphs, pie charts, and tables. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data, organizing it into themes aligned with the research questions, and the results were reported narratively with the inclusion of direct quotations. The findings reveal that headteachers’ leadership to some extent, ensure a fair and just compensation. However, challenges like a lack of standardized fair and just compensation hinder sustainable retention. Further, it indicated that some teacher quitted their teaching jobs due to low salaries. The study recommends that the Diocese implement standardized compensation structures to promote long-term commitment and stability in Catholic Primary Schools in Wau Diocese. Keywords: Headteacher, Leadership, Fair and Just Compensation, Incessive, Salary and Retention