A study on absenteeism among lecturers in UiTM Pahang / Nurzulaikha Dzul Karnain and Nor Hidayah Hashim

The issue of employee absence has attracted much attention in recent years and from a variety of perspectives. Absence from work is one everyday managerial reality that has far reaching impact on organizational operations. What is mean by absenteeism? The dictionary would suggest that if a worker is not at work, he is absent. Absenteeism can be traditionally defined as a specific employee's unavailability for work, when work is actually available for this specific employee (Google)' Other than that, absenteeism also can be defined as frequent absences from work or school without good result (Pocket Oxford English Dictionary, 10th edition)' In the same fields as discussed by Latiff Sher Mohamed (1982) according to Section 21 (2) of the Public Officer (Conduct and Discipline) (Chapter 'D') General Orders 1980 define "absence" for the purpose of that section as including: "failure to be present for any length of time whatsoever at a time and place where the Officer is required to be present for the performance of his duties". The types of absence which cause problem to the employer are those caused by sickness (medical leave) and absence without reasonable excuse. For some reason, absenteeism may affect the organization and this issue must be handling in a right way.