Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of institutional autonomy and
accountability in promoting institutional performance in Mettu Teachers' Training College
(TTC) of Ilu Aba Bora Zone Oromia Regional State. The study mainly employed descriptive
survey research design and data were collected from academic staff members and
administrative staff members using questionnaire, and from deans, finance and human
resource directorates through interview. Relevant documents were also reviewed to support
primary sources of data. Out of 156 (56 academic staff members, 95 administrative staff
members and 5 management members) 147 subjects were involved, which represents 94.2%
response rate. The quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, frequency, Chi-square
and Mann-Whitney test while the qualitative data were analyzed in text form. The findings of
this study revealed that, financial, personnel and organizational autonomy were not in
sufficient manner. The findings of this study also revealed that, performance evaluation
practice of the college is not carried out to establish individuals‟ accountability. Unwise
utilization of resources and violation of financial procedures can be identified as the regular
phenomenon of the college. Thus, it is possible to conclude that, institutional (external)
accountability was failed under problem. The study also confirmed that, the overall students‟
academic performance of the college was unsatisfactory. The study identified the major
challenges such as poor management capacity and inefficiency; and unmatched college
autonomy and accountability. There is a need of balancing autonomy and accountability.
Government retains a strong interest in college education to promote national objectives of
ensuring equality of opportunity and equity in access. The government should frame policy
which may help in achieving the public goals of the institution through institutional
autonomy and accountability.
