INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR

Abstract

This study examines the influence of Human Resource (HR) practices on employee engagement and organizational performance within the Nigerian public sector. It specifically focuses on the effects of training and development and performance appraisal on employee engagement, and how engagement mediates the relationship between these HR practices and organizational performance. A survey research method was used, with primary data collected from 678 employees working in various public sector organizations in Abuja, Nigeria. The study applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the hypothesized relationships. The findings revealed that both training and development and performance appraisal had a positive impact on employee engagement, with training and development exhibiting the most significant effect. Additionally, employee engagement was found to play a crucial mediating role in connecting HR practices with organizational performance. These results suggest that HR practices focused on employee development and consistent performance feedback are essential for fostering engagement, which ultimately enhances organizational performance. Based on these insights, the study recommends that HR strategies in the Nigerian public sector should prioritize improving training programs and refining performance appraisal systems to better meet employee needs. Future studies should consider the influence of leadership styles and organizational culture in further enhancing the effectiveness of these HR practices.