The Effect of Organizational Structure on the Performance of Instructors in Privately Chartered Universities in Uganda: A Quantitative Approach

Abstract Background: Private chartered universities in Uganda play a vital role in expanding access to higher education. However, academic staff performance remains a persistent concern. Institutional factors, particularly organizational structure, have been identified as key determinants of staff performance. Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative research design utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 386 academic staff from private chartered universities in Western Uganda. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression techniques to examine the relationship between organizational structure and academic staff performance. Results: Findings revealed a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between organizational structure and academic staff performance (r = .476, p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis indicated that organizational structure significantly predicted academic staff performance, accounting for 22.7% of the variance (R² = .227, F = 112.649, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The results suggest that a well-designed organizational structure positively influences academic staff performance. Universities are advised to adopt more flexible, decentralized, and participatory organizational models to enhance staff effectiveness and institutional productivity.