This paper intends to explore the factors that influence academic staff performance. The preliminary framework insight an understanding of the specific role played by the individual and work environmental factors influencing job performance. A range of relevant literature is explored and a preliminary framework is proposed and discussed. A review of extant literature suggests various factors affect academic job performance. This framework is set to help the academicians and decision makers in the university to understand the requirements of employees for increasing their job performance and suitable individual and environmental aspects to that effect. The paper can help the university to ensure all academic staff has academic competence. To produce such a competent employee, the university needs to ensure that the academic staff members are consistently motivated. The proposed preliminary framework is both original and unique that will hopefully contribute towards the enrichment of the relevant literature.