Factors influencing the successful retention of skilled manpower in developing nations: the case of Ethiopia and people of Ethiopian origin in North America

"Brain drain" or "Human capital flight" has immeasurable impact on the social, political, and economic progress of developing nations. Studies show that a large number of skilled professionals and scholars leave developing nations each year either to escape from political persecution at home or to seek higher salaries in wealthy nations. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the successful retention of a skilled workforce in developing nations in general and that of Ethiopia in particular. Two groups of academic communities whose constituents possess at least a bachelor's degree in any field of study took part in this study. Group I participants were faculty and academic officials employed in two of the state universities in Ethiopia. Group II was comprised of persons of Ethiopian origin residing in the United States. A convenience sampling technique was adopted to select participants and Likert type survey forms were used to collect data for study. Findings of the study confirmed that social, political, and economic advancement of any nation can not be achieved without active participation of educated and skilled citizens in the nation-building. The study also highlighted a series of concerns that require immediate attention at the national level that would help Ethiopia retain its college-educated manpower as a developing nation.
Background The term "Brain Drain", often known as "human capital flight", is a nearly half-century-old phenomenon by which highly skilled professionals and academics seek higher paying job opportunities in other [...]