The main aim of the study was to investigate the causes of absenteeism in the public service focusing at. Mmabatho College of Nursing (MMACON) a training institution for nurses as one of the public sector institutions. According to MMACON (2002:3) statistics in 2002 almost one in five workers were absent over one week of work as a result of illness. The college statistics reveal that one third of these employees, or 6% of all workers, missed in access of two weeks away from work. In additional to the reduced quality of life experienced by these employees, ,absenteeism impacts the productivity of the college. The focus of the study is based on the following; to explore causes of absenteeism, to establish the effects of absenteeism, to identify measures to control absenteeism and to make recommendations for an efficient management of the problems. Questionnaire was designed for staff to complete. Data was then coded and computerized. Analysis of data was reported by means of frequencies and percentages Chi-square method was used. The results were processed and outlined the causes, the effects, control of absenteeism and recommendations. In general the main cause of absenteeism at MMACON is due to family problems. Days mostly affected are Fridays. The department mostly affected by high absenteeism rate is catering department. Support staff category is the one affected mostly. Employees are frustrated by the rate of absenteeism. Employees are absent for more than three days per week. Recommendations are as follows; to improve communication within the group and with supervisors, to encourage employees to participate in decision making in the area of their expertise, to encourage 'problem solving in a team environment, to provide training and development opportunities, to provide feedback about performance and to deal positively with employee concerns. / Thesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

The main aim of the study was to investigate the causes of absenteeism in the public service focusing at Mmabatho College of Nursing (MMACON) a training institution for nurses as one of the public sector institutions. According to . MMACON (2002:3) statistics in 2002 almost one in five workers were absent over one week of work as a result of illness. The college statistics reveal that one third of these employees, or 6% of all workers, missed in access of two weeks away from work. In additional to the reduced quality of life experienced by these employees, absenteeism impacts the productivity of the college. The focus of the study is based on the following; to explore causes of absenteeism, to establish the effects of absenteeism, to identify measures to control absenteeism and to make recommendations for an efficient management of the problems. Questionnaire was designed for staff to complete. Data was then coded and computerized. Analysis of data was reported by means of frequencies and percentages Chi-square method was used. The results were processed and outlined the causes, the effects, control of absenteeism and recommendations. In general the main cause of absenteeism at MMACON is due to family problems. Days mostly affected are Fridays. The department mostly affected by high absenteeism rate is catering department. Support staff category is the one affected mostly. Employees are frustrated by the rate of absenteeism. Employees are absent for more than three days per week. Recommendations are as follows; to improve communication within the group and with supervisors, to encourage employees to participate in decision making in the area of their expertise, to encourage problem solving in a team environment, to provide training and development opportunities, to provide feedback about performance and to deal positively with employee concerns. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005