The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the quality of work life (QWL) of academic staff in universities and how QWL affects their performance. Data for this study were collected using a questionnaire from 379 academic staff in public and private universities in Malaysia. This study found differences among demographic variables in QWL and work performance by using t-test and one-way ANOVA method. Partial Least Square was used to explain the relationship among dimensions of QWL and performance. The result implied that dimensions of powerlessness and tolerance at workplace affected performance in public universities, while dimensions of financial, co-worker relationship and tolerance at workplace have positive significant relationship with performance in private universities. The findings show that managers of universities must pay more attention on the significant dimensions and improve them among the academic staff in order to achieve a high level of work performance.