Human Resource Development and Employee Performance in Nigerian Private Universities: The Mediating Role of Employee Motivation (Published)
This study investigates the relationship between Human Resource Development (HRD) and employee performance in Nigerian private universities, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of employee motivation. The rapid expansion of private universities in Nigeria has intensified competition in the higher education sector, making the performance and commitment of employees critical to institutional success. HRD practices such as training, career development, mentoring, and professional development programs are essential for improving employees’ knowledge, skills, and competencies. However, despite increased investment in HRD initiatives, many private universities continue to experience challenges such as low staff morale, high employee turnover, and inconsistent performance outcomes. The study adopted a survey research design and collected data from academic and non-academic staff in selected private universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Hierarchical regression analysis and mediation analysis were employed to examine the relationships among HRD, employee motivation, and employee performance. The findings reveal that HRD has a significant positive effect on employee performance. Additionally, the results show that employee motivation significantly mediates the relationship between HRD and employee performance, indicating that HRD initiatives become more effective when employees are motivated. The study concludes that private universities should integrate HRD strategies with motivational practices such as recognition, career advancement opportunities, and supportive work environments to enhance employee performance and institutional effectiveness.
Keywords: Employee Motivation, Employee Performance, Human Resource Development, Nigerian private universities
Enhancing Productivity in Tertiary Institutions in Ghana: An Assessment of the Leadership Factor (Published)
Employees are the driving force for any organization’s success and if they are well motivated and taken good care of, productivity, growth and efficiency in the organization could increase. The main objective of the study is to assess the effects of corporate leadership behaviour on staff motivation and productivity in the Tamale Polytechnic. Key issues the study examined include; leadership styles of management of Tamale Polytechnic and how these impact on staff motivation and productivity. Research tools used for obtaining information by the researcher were: questionnaire, interview, focus group discussions and observation. The sampling techniques used were: simple, stratified and purposive for both academic and administrative staff. Primary and secondary data collected from employees and other sources for the basis of the study. The major findings for the study were that the Polytechnic authority adopts more of transformational leadership styles in its management and most of these leadership practices impact positively on staff motivation. The study discovered that authorities of the Polytechnic used committee system in most of their decision makings. It is the recommendation of this study that transformational leadership styles exhibited by the management of the Polytechnic should be encouraged and that motivational factors such as monetary and non-monetary reward systems should be put in place to influence staff productivity.
Keywords: Driving Force, Employee Motivation, Staff Productivity, Transformational Leadership