Title: Factors influencing teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of Indonesia: empirical proof from southern Papua

Authors: Basilius Redan Werang; Seli Marlina Radja Leba; Ermelinda A.G. Pure

Addresses: Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Musamus, Jl. Kamizaun, Mopah Lama, Merauke 99611, Indonesia ' Program Pascasarjana Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl.Semarang 5, Malang 65145, Jawa Timur, Indonesia ' Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Musamus, Jl. Kamizaun, Mopah Lama, Merauke 99611, Indonesia

Abstract: This study aimed to reveal factors responsible for teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of southern Papua, Indonesia. The present study employed a qualitative research approach using a case study design. Profound interview to the elementary school principals, local community members, and teachers of respective schools was the main tool of the study to collect data. Data were analysed qualitatively using Ishikawa's fishbone analysis. We found three main categories of variables that influence teacher absenteeism in the remote elementary schools of southern Papua, Indonesia, namely: (a) teachers' demographic characteristics, (b) working conditions, and (c) local authorities' policies of teacher assignment and of school principal appointment. These findings might be imperative for the institutions of teacher training and education to design curriculum to address the special need of having morally and mentally qualified teachers.

Keywords: teacher absenteeism; elementary schools; remote areas; southern Papua; Indonesia; elementary education; remote schools; case study; demographics; working conditions; local authority policy; teacher assignment; school principals; school heads.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2017.084923

International Journal of Management in Education, 2017 Vol.11 No.3, pp.223 - 247

Received: 26 Feb 2016
Accepted: 27 May 2016
Published online: 09 Jul 2017 *

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