Exploring the Nexus between Human Resource Management Practices and Job Commitment among Staff of Private Universities in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

One of the important elements for employees’ organisational commitment is the nature of Human Resource Management Practices (HRMPs) existing within the organisation. Yet, the influence of HRMPs has not been empirically investigated particularly within the context of the University system. This study was therefore positioned to investigate the influence of HRMPs on employees’ organisational commitment in selected private Universities within the Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive correlational survey research design. The sample size for the study was 195 employees comprising of 83 males and 112 females, who were selected across the academic and non-academic staff categories through the self-sampling technique. Data for the study were collected through a web-based questionnaire administration which measured the two variables introduced in this study. Data collected were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 26. Descriptive statistics including frequency count and simple percentage were used to analyse the socio-demographic variables and presented using tables and charts, while the research question was answered using the linear regression analysis in order to determine the influence of HRMPs on employees’ organisational performance. Findings of the regression model showed that HRMPs statistically significantly influenced the organisational commitment of employees within the selected private Universities. The study therefore recommended among other things that, the need for management of private Universities to engage competent human resource personnel who can design appropriate programs and practices that could ensure employees’ commitment to their organisations.