ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN AKURE METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Human resource management (HRM) refers to the systems, policies and practices that influence the performance, behaviour and employees’ attitudes (De Cieri et al., 2008). The study investigates the form of training and development in manufacturing firms in Akure metropolis, Ondo State; evaluate the effect of employees’ satisfaction, retention and commitment on operational performance in the study area; and examine the challenges of maximizing resource practices in manufacturing firms in in Akure metropolis, Ondo State. Survey method was adopted for data collection from a sample size of 234 respondents, drawn from a total population of 564 who are the employee of manufacturing firms in Akure metropolis. The structure questionnaire employed with reliability test of 0.850, solicited information on the form of training and development in manufacturing firms in Akure metropolis, Ondo State. Using descriptive statistic of Mean, Std. Deviation and Remarks, form of training and development in manufacturing firms in Akure metropolis, Ondo State ranked Participation in team meetings, Collection of evidence from the workplace to support stages in a qualification and Informal "on the job" training as the first three with the mean value of 3.6022, 3.3569 and 3.3086 respectively. The effect of employees’ satisfaction, retention and commitment on operational performance in the study area was analyze using multiple regression. The study concluded that there is no significant effect of employees’ satisfaction, retention and communication on operational performance in Akure metropolis, Ondo State. The study ranked Red tape-excessive bureaucracy, High staff turnover and Low pay as the first three Challenges of effective HRM Practices. Organization should have cover for training and replacement of staff for period when trainees are away from workplace. Organization should motivate Staff to be willing to train and develop themselves.