Human Resource Management

TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AND GROWTH OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

By
 
JOSHUA ONUOHA
Learn to Live Business School, UK
 
 
Email: onuohaloshuagmail.com
Phone No +234796 074 8383
 
2024

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this study was to investigate traditional apprenticeship and the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria. It employed an ex-post facto descriptive non-experimental research design. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The sample consists of 300 Masters selected using multistage, purposive, accidental, and snowballing sampling techniques from five states in SE Nigeria. Questionnaires, direct contact, and social media administration strategies helped with data collection. Means, Standard deviation, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results show that traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in several ways, with the highest being through a multiplier effect; Trading skills; Further mentoring after graduation; Assistance in expanding and opening branches; Provision of funds, and practical hands-on training. A lot of challenges face traditional apprenticeship, with the greatest being, Gender bias, Outdated teaching methods without innovation and experimentation; and non-technologically driven teaching methods, with no statistical difference found among the SE states. It was concluded that traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry to a Large Extent. It was recommended that the formal schooling system adopt the multiplier effect and job creation devices of the traditional apprenticeship to improve the educational system and reduce unemployment in Nigeria.

Keywords: Traditional Apprenticeship;  Textile Industry;  Master and  Multiplier effect.

INTRODUCTION:

Background of study

       Apprenticeship is a sort of informal schooling characterized by practicals and hands-on experience, where the participant learns directly on the job. No wonder it is described as on-the-job training that enables new-generation practitioners to gain a license to practice in a regulated occupation (Asare, Nyarko, Fobiri, & Marfo 2023).  Apprenticeship is also defined as a “form of training in which an individual learns an art, trade, or craft under a legal agreement that outlines the duration and conditions of the relationship between the master and apprentice” (AI-generated definition based on: the International Encyclopedia of Education -Third Edition, 2010). In this training, skills are learned and knowledge transferred from the Master or Mentor to the apprentice, typically through hands-on practice and instruction, which takes various forms such as traditional crafts, vocational education, classical music, and even spiritual traditions.     

          The traditional apprenticeship system has long been practiced in Nigeria alongside the formal educational system. The traditional apprenticeship system in this study involves a written contract or agreement between master and apprentice, stating the conditions for both parties and the terms of apprenticeship. Often the apprenticeship especially for a business, such as trading in textile fabrics, takes up to four years during which the apprentice lives with the master as a family member and trades with the master. The master on his part, trains the apprentice for the period in his type of business and settles the apprentice at the end of the contract period. The graduation is usually celebrated with a party involving the master’s presentation of the take-off fund. This marks the official accreditation of the apprentice as a journeyman of the textile fabrics trade, making it possible for him or her to get his or her shop and open his or her own fabrics trading business.

          The textile industry involves several sections, including, the production of raw materials, and fabric production. Marketing the fabrics and producing clothing from the fabrics. This study is interested in the marketing of the fabrics. The growth of the industry in this respect involves expansion and an increase in the quality of services. Growth is a “socially constructed factor” (Dugguh et al., 2018) and implies a change in size during a determined period, involving an increase in sales and investments to adapt to new demands Onwuka and Nwaneri (2023). Asare, Nyarko, Fabri, & Marfo (2023) observed that growth implies an increase in sales, and the number of employees. Profit, increase in assets, increase in the firm´s value, and internal development. The growth of textile industries in this study will be measured by the above perspectives.

 Statement of the problem:

           The traditional apprenticeship system has long been an integral part of the economic and social fabric of Southeast Nigeria, an area occupied by the Igbos, known for their acumen and steadfastness in business. Initially, the traditional apprenticeship system was patronized mainly by illiterates and the poor. Still, these days, due to a lack of jobs for school leavers and tertiary institution graduates, as well as growth in entrepreneurship among the elites in Nigeria, the traditional apprenticeship system has started to boom once more. Studies show that entrepreneurs are not the sole vectors to growth as there are many other agents involved, such as clients, kin, suppliers, and nature and challenges to the apprenticeship. This study therefore investigated traditional apprenticeship and growth of the textile industry inSouth East Nigeria, to identify how it encourages growth of the textile industry and the challenges confronting it. Many studies have been carried out on apprenticeship systems.  For instance, Gallup (2024) sought to find out  About Registered Apprenticeship:  in his  Systematic Review and Synthesis of 30 Years of Empirical Research, Suhaimy, Sumardi, Sumardi & Ansari (2022)  looked at factors that influence the transfer of training within an apprenticeship program, while Sani & Adamu & Adamu  & Umar  (2022) investigated the impact of apprenticeship training on job creation among artisans in Bauchi and provided the conceptual framework to express the relationship between the apprenticeship component and job creation.Uwameiye, Ede, and Iyamu’s 2002 study focused on the training methodology used by the Nigerian Indigenous apprenticeship system; Ifechukwu-Jacobs, (2022)  studied the effect of Igbo trade apprenticeship system on unemployment reduction in Onitsha, The return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: evidence from cost-benefit analyses was examined by Muehlemann and  Wolter (2014).  A very recent and close study by Chukwu, Ugochukwu, and Njoku (2024) focused on challenges and prospects challenges and prospects of the Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world. The current study which is the first of its kind, dwelt on the traditional apprenticeship and growth of the textile industry in South East Nigeria, which is the lacuna filled by this study.  Southeast Nigeria is well known for its creativity which is often displayed in the various designs of the fabrics produced and in the sewing designs, making the business very lucrative. It is not surprising that many Igbos go into the textile business as clothing is often considered next to food and shelter in Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs. This study therefore sets the following objectives;

  1. To examine how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.
  • To determine the extent the customary apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria and
  •  To explore the challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

 Research Questions: The following research questions were posed to guide that study;

  1. How does traditional apprenticeship encourage the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?
  •  To what extent has traditional apprenticeship enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?
  •  What challenges confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

 Hypotheses: These hypotheses tested at a 0.05 confidence level guided the study.

HO1:  There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

 HO2:There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the extent traditional apprenticeship has enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

HO3:  There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the challenges that confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

  LITERATURE REVIEW:  

The literature review in this study is presented under Conceptual framework, Theoretical framework, and Empirical Studies                                                                                                      

Conceptual framework: Apprenticeship has been severally defined as informal schooling or learning involving practicals and hands-on experience on-the-job training (Asare, Nyarko, Fobiri, & Marfo 2023); training where an individual learns an art, trade, or craft under a legal agreement between the master and apprentice” (AI generated definition based on: International Encyclopedia of Education (Third Edition), 2010); A way of job creation Sani & Adamu & Adamu  & Umar  (2022), an informal and unstructured training programme, scheduled for an agreed period during which the apprentice learns the trade, acquires a desirable part of entrepreneurship skills,  masters the rudiments of the trade, and offers services to the master for an agreed-upon period, (Kanu, 2020; Alike &Orjiako-Umunze, 2019; Orugun&Nafiu, 2014). In addition, it is a process of bringing up a child (Kanu, 2020). (Kanu, 2020), (Alike and Orjiofor-Umunze, 2019), (Doekpe, 2017), Onwuka & E.C. Nwaneri 2023, Cresent (2019) where no salaries are paid.  However, it is also perceived as an unpaid business and incubator model that lets people learn the business from a master for some years Kanu (2019. This study defines apprenticeship as a sort of informal schooling characterized by practicals and hands-on experience, where the participant learns directly on the job.

Theoretical framework: This study is framed on the Human Capital Theory postulated by Becker (1964). The theory assumes that investments in education or training contribute to an individual’s productivity and earning capacities. This implies that the traditional apprenticeship system, makes individuals acquire valuable skills, knowledge, and experience that enhance their human capital, which in turn, enables them to create wealth, improve productivity, and earn more, thereby enhancing growth in the industry.

Empirical studies: Empirical studies were discussed under, studies in Apprenticeship. Studies in Traditional apprenticeship, studies in  Growth in textile industries.

Studies in Apprenticeship:

          Pirrioni, (2018) investigated ‘promoting apprentices’ professional development: integrating formal and informal learning, HRM, and learning goal orientation in promoting apprentices’ competencies, A cross-sectional and a longitudinal approach were employed to complement the qualitative data on 233 apprentices operating in the engineering sector in England. It was found that organizations can leverage to promote apprentices’ development using formal and informal learning. The current study, unlike this one, did not test any model but investigated using ex post facto research design, thetraditional apprenticeship, and the growth of the textile industry inNigeria a study carried out in England.

          Suhaimy, Sumardi, Sumardi, & Anshari (2022) in their empirical study of training transfer in an apprenticeship programme for a conducive workforce, used an extended Training Transfer Model, to examine the factors that influence the transfer of training within an apprenticeship program.  Like the current study, In-depth semi-structured interviews with participants who had undergone the apprenticeship programme were carried out. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and bibliographic analysis was performed. The findings reveal that trainee characteristics, training design, and work environment influence training transfer.

          Sani & Adamu & Adamu & Umar (2022) Apprenticeship Training and Job Creation: A Conceptual Framework of their Relationship focuses on the impact of apprenticeship training on job creation among artisans in Bauchi state. It provides the conceptual framework to express the relationship. The study recommended that apprenticeships be revitalized and updated, as well as that ethnic-based union be legalized and reorganized to fulfill both social and economic functions.

          Gallup, (2024) investigated ‘What We Know About Registered Apprenticeship: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of 30 Years of Empirical Research’, using a Meta-analysis, the author undertook a systematic literature review and a qualitative synthesis of empirical research, interpreting findings on RA over 30 years. The review identified 36 scholarly studies and an additional 98 articles from the practitioner literature. The synthesis derived three themes: expansion, benefits, and outcomes for minoritized groups, revealing gaps in research on learning for apprentices.

         Uwameiye and Iyamu (2002) examined ‘Training Methodology Used by the Nigerian Indigenous Apprenticeship System,’ to investigate the training orientation given to apprentices; common training techniques employed by the master craftsmen; and how the apprentices are evaluated to ascertain their mastery. A questionnaire was used to gather data for the study.  Similar samples of Master and apprentice were used. The findings show that there is no formal curriculum in use for training, and customers help to determine the mastery of apprentices.

         Nnonyelu, Nnabuife, Onyeizugbe, Anazodo, and Onyima, (2023) examined Igbo apprenticeship (Igba boyi) as an exemplar of the Indigenous African entrepreneurship model. The specific objective was to ascertain the influence of the Igbo apprenticeship system on the Indigenous African entrepreneurship model, showing how Indigenous entrepreneurship has been boosted by the apprenticeship scheme and highlighting the nexus between the Igbo apprenticeship scheme and entrepreneurship. The paper seeks to unpack the enablers of Igbo apprenticeship, and why it is largely seen as the poster face of local Igbo entrepreneurs.  A case for the scalability and adoption of the igba boyi Indigenous entrepreneurial model as a vehicle for the development and sustenance of Indigenous entrepreneurship practices for African developments was made.

          Ifechukwu-Jacobs (2022) examined the effect of the Igbo trade apprenticeship system on unemployment reduction in Onitsha. Like the current study, it employed the use of a structured questionnaire. However, percentage table and correlation were used for the analysis.  Both studies employed the use of a similar population and sample. While this study sample was determined by Gorg & Ball formula, the current study sample was determined by Chiaha (2023). It was found that: Apprentice skill acquisition has a significant effect on unemployment reduction at Onitsha: The apprenticeship training system has a significant effect on unemployment reduction to ascertain the impact of apprentice skill acquisition on unemployment reduction in Onitsha. Like the current study, this study recommended that the masters (Ogas), should ensure the timely settlement of their diligent apprentices.

         Chukwu, Ugochukwu, and Njoku’s (2024) study, which is very relevant to the current one, examined the challenges and prospects of the Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern.  Similar research designs, samples, methods of data collection, and data analysis were employed in both studies. The empirical result showed that there are significant challenges and significant prospects for the Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world.  The current study is interested in identifying the current challenges facing apprenticeship in the textile industries only but it will not be involved in the prospects since it will explore the extent the which apprenticeship impacts on growth of the textile industries.

          Onyebuchi-Igbokwe, Grace & Chinyere, Ndebilie. (2024). An Empirical Approach to Textile Production and the Correlates of Technology Options in Nigeria’s Textile Industry, to investigate how the economic ties between China and Nigeria have affected the growth of Nigeria’s textile sector between 2021 and 2023. Data was collected using qualitative research methods as in this study. The study found that Nigeria’s textile sector has developed favorably as a result of the economic ties between China and Nigeria. It recommended that the economic relationship needs to be further strengthened.

 Summary of Literature Review: The study adopts the concepts of, Asare, Nyarko, Fobiri, & Marfo 2023; (AI generated definition based on: International Encyclopedia of Education (Third Edition), 2010); Sani & Adamu & Adamu  & Umar  (2022) and (Kanu, 2020; Alike &Orjiako-Umunze, 2019; Orugun & Nafiu, 2014) and admits that traditional apprenticeship is an informal training where an individual learns the fabric trading business under a legal agreement between the master and apprentice”. The study was anchored on the Human Capital traditional apprenticeship system, implying that the apprenticeship makes individuals acquire the entrepreneurial skills that enable them to create wealth by implication, enhance growth in the textile industry. Nine empirical studies were reviewed, one focused on the growth of the textile industry, one on an apprenticeship in England the rest on an apprenticeship in England, and the rest on an apprenticeship in Nigeria out of which, three dealt with an apprenticeship in Igboland. However, out of the studies reviewed no study known to the researcher investigated ‘traditional apprenticeship and the growth of the textile industry in southeast Nigeria. This is the lucuma the study fills.

METHODOLOGY:

The methodology in this paper involvesResearch Design and Area of Study. Population, Sample and Sampling Methods, Instrument for Data Collection, Validation and Reliability, Method of Data Collection, and Analysis.

Research Design: This study employed an ex-post facto descriptive non-experimental research design, which implies ‘after the fact’ because the event ‘Apprenticeship’, being investigated has already occurred. Nwankwo and Emunemu (2015), noted thatNon-experimental research design does not attempt to control or manipulate any variable.  However, it focuses on one single event that had occurred therefore, the researcher examines the phenomena. The researcher found this design appropriate for this study as it investigated what had happened in Apprenticeship in SE Nigeria.

Area of the Study: The area of this study is South-East of Nigeria, with five states, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. The area is a core Igbo-speaking race, known for their, hard work and business acumen. The practice of Apprenticeship has existed in this area for ages.

Population of the Study: The population of this study consists of all the  Markets in Southeastern Nigeria where 10436 masters that deal in the textile business, especially fabrics operate (Source: Market Union Registers, 2022) (See App II).                                                                                                                         

 Sample and Sampling Methods:  The study adopted Krejcie & Morgan 1970) and Chiaha (2023) determinants of a sample size from a given population. A multistage, purposive, accidental, and snowballing sampling technique was employed in selecting 300 participants for this study.   Firstly, out of the five states in SE, a random sample of three was selected by balloting. Secondly,  a purposive sample of 3754 Masters who have been in the fabrics business for over five years was selected. Finally, using snowballing and accidental sampling methods, 300 8% were selected and used for the study. (See App II).                                                                                                                         

Instruments for Data Collection: The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire titled ‘Traditional Apprenticeship and Textile Industry Growth Questionnaire                                                                            (TATIGQ). The TATIGQ has two sections, A and B. Section A has three items designed to collect respondents’ demographics, while Section B  has 25 items with three clusters aimed at collecting data for the research questions. It is structured on a 4-point Likert-type rating scale with options of; SA- Strongly Disagree; A- Agree; D-Disagree; SD – Strongly Disagree and D -Disagree and VLE-Very Large Extent; LE-Large Extent; SE-Small Extent and VSE-Very Small Extent, weighted 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. (See App III).                                                                                                                     

 Validation of the Instrument: Three experts were requested to ascertain the appropriateness and clarity of the items of the instruments to ascertain if they measured what they purported to measure. Their comments, suggestions, and observations were considered in the production of the final draft of the instruments. (App II and III).

 Reliability of the Instrument: The instrument was trial tested through a pilot study, on 10 respondents (SMEs) from Ebonyi state, which is outside the study area. The internal consistency of the instrument was computed using the Cronbach Alpha method which yielded 0.85 for the entire instrument. The instruments were therefore considered reliable enough for the study.

Method of Data Collection: The study adopted direct contact and social media administration strategies in which the researcher with her well-trained research assistants directly collected the data from the respondents. The researcher personally contacted the masters through their WhatsApp. The data administration lasted for two weeks with a high return rate of 88.87%

Method of Data Analysis: The data generated for the study were analyzed using means and Standard Deviation (SD) for data collected from the questionnaire. Decisions were arrived at using the criterion mean score of 2.50. This implies that Means below 2.50 were taken to indicate that the corresponding items were NOT Accepted by the SMEs, and Means of 2.50 and above were taken to indicate that the corresponding items were Accepted for the same reason.  For research question 2 with EXTENT response format Real Limits of Numbers were employed as follows;

                   Mean Range      Options                          

                   3.50 -4.00 = Very Large Extent;

                   2.50 -3.49 =  LE-Large Extent;

                   1.50 -2.49 =  SE-Small Extent and

                   0.00 -1.49 = VSE-Very Small Extent

For the hypotheses testing, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 95% level of probability or 0.05 level of significance.  The significant level was determined with the P- P-table value. This implies that when the P-value is below 0.05 level of significance when T- calculated is greater than the t- table (1.96) it implies a Significant Difference between the means tested, thus the Null Hypotheses were Not Accepted.  On the other hand, when the P-value is higher than 0.05 or the T- calculated is greater than the t- table (1.96), it implies No Significant Difference between the means tested. Therefore, the Null Hypotheses was Accepted.   

RESULTS:  The results were presented in six tables.

Table 1, shows that all the 11 items are accepted by the Masters as how traditional apprenticeship encourages growth of textile industry in SE Nigeria gives a lot of trading skills to Apprentices (x=3.63); exposes apprentices to wholesale strategies (x=3.33);  online textile marketing and sales (x=3.33);textile financial management (x=3.38); provides practical hands-on training with good employment, (x=3.50);  has a multiplier effect in that as apprentices graduate and gather more skills, they train more apprentices  thus enhancing growth of the industry (x=3.70); provides continuous mentoring by the master trainer (x=3.48); and practical hands-on training with good employment, (x=3.53);  further mentoring is given to the apprentices in the business even after graduation, (x=3.58);  The master assists the apprentice in expanding and opening more branches,(x=3.55);  Funds are provided to apprentices when needed for business expansion and innovation and product diversification is encouraged (x=3.43).

Research Question 1: How does traditional apprenticeship encourage the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

Table1:

How traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria

Sn                                                           ItemsMeanSD    Decision
 It gives a lot of trading skills to Apprentices3.630.490   Accept
 They are exposed to wholesale strategies3.330.694   Accept
 They learn online textile marketing and sales3.330.694   Accept
 They learn textile financial management3.380.674   Accept
 It provides practical hands-on training with good employment prospects3.500.550   Accept
 It has a multiplier effect as apprentices graduate and gather more skills3.700.467   Accept
 Provides continuous mentoring by the master trainer3.480.509   Accept
 Apprentices are helped to further their education in the business3.530.506   Accept
 The master assists the apprentice in expanding and opening more branches3.580.535   Accept
 Funds are provided to apprentices when needed for business expansion3.550.504   Accept
 Innovation and product diversification are encouraged in apprenticeship3.430.629   Accept

Hypotheses 1: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria. The table indicates that the traditional apprenticeship.

Table 2:

 ANOVA analysis on the significant differences between the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Sn ItemsF-valuep-value (Sig.)
It gives a lot of trading skills to the Apprentices1.1710.321
They are exposed to wholesale strategies1.4440.249
They learn online textile marketing and sales1.4440.249
They learn textile financial management1.9000.164
It provides practical, hands-on training with good prospects for employment after training2.6620.083
It has a multiplier effect in that as the apprentice graduates, he/she gathers more people1.1460.329
It provides continuous mentoring as Master continues to mentor even after graduation1.7860.182
Apprentices are helped to further their education in the business1.5190.232
The Master helps the Apprentice expand his/her business, opening up more branches1.7030.196
Funds are provided to Apprentices when needed for the expansion of the business2.7090.080
Innovation and Product Diversification is encouraged in Apprenticeship for business growth0.6800.513

Table 2 shows the ANOVA analysis of significant differences between the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria revealing that all p-values exceeded the alpha level of 0.05. Therefore, I Accept the null hypothesis (H₀), concluding that, there is no significant difference in how traditional apprenticeship encourages growth in the textile industry across the three states.

Research Questions 2: To what extent has traditional apprenticeship enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

Table 3 shows that the Cluster mean reveals that respondents agree that traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria to a Large Extent (x=3.42).

Table 3:

The extent to which traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Sn                         ItemsMeanSD       Decision
 Acquisition of trading skills3.530.554       VLE
 Exposed to wholesale strategies3.480.554          LE
 Mastering online textile marketing and sales3.250.670          LE
 Mastering textile financial management3.400.545          LE
 Provides practical hands-on training with good employment prospects3.500.550       VLE
 The multiplier effect where apprentices gather more people3.650.529       VLE
 Continuous mentoring by the Master3.450.552          LE
 Helping apprentices to further their education in the textile business3.550.504       VLE
 Provision of funds for business expansion3.580.535       VLE
 Innovation and product diversification3.430.629          LE
  Cluster Mean/SD3.420.601      LE

Hypotheses 2: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the extent the traditional apprenticeship has enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Table 4:

 ANOVA analysis on significant differences among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the extent the traditional apprenticeship has enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

S/n                                       ItemsF-valuep-value (Sig.)
1.Acquisition of trading skills1.3760.312
2.Exposed to wholesale strategies1.4440.249
3.Mastering online textile marketing and sales1.4440.249
4.Mastering textile financial management1.9000.164
5.Provision of practical hands-on training with good employment prospects2.6620.083
6.Multiplier effect: apprentice gathers more people1.1460.329
7.Continuous mentoring by the Master after graduation1.7860.182
8.Support in furthering education in the textile business1.5190.232
9.Assistance in business expansion, opening more branches1.7030.196
10.Provision of funds to Apprentices for business expansion2.7090.080
11.Encouragement of Innovation and Product Diversification0.6800.513

The ANOVA analysis conducted to assess the impact of traditional apprenticeship on the growth of the textile industry among dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu reveals that all obtained p-values are greater than the significance level of 0.05. Therefore, I Accept the null hypothesis (H₀), concluding that there is no significant difference between the textile dealers in the three states regarding the extent to which traditional apprenticeship has enhanced the growth of the textile industry in Southeast Nigeria.

Research Questions 3:  What challenges confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

 Table 5 shows that Challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria, include Lack of financial support (x=3.40); Fear of completion of the apprenticeship due to master’s behavior (x=3.35); Living with the master’s family (x=3.00); Get-rich-quick syndrome affecting youths’ patience in completing the apprenticeship (x=3.00); Gender bias in apprenticeship, with males mostly involved (x=3.58);  Lack of theoretical knowledge alongside practical training (x=3.18); Outdated teaching methods without innovation and experimentation (x=3.55);  Non-technologically driven teaching methods (3.50); Apprentices continually being regarded as servants by masters even after skill acquisition and graduation (x=3.40).

Table 4:

Challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria

 Sn                                   ItemsMeanSD   Decision
 Lack of financial support3.400.709 Accept
 Fear of completion of the apprenticeship due to master’s behavior3.350.802 Accept
 Living with the master’s family3.000.906 Accept
 Get-rich-quick syndrome affects youths’ patience in completing the apprenticeship3.580.549 Accept
 Gender bias in apprenticeship, with males mostly involved3.180.827 Accept
 Lack of theoretical knowledge alongside practical training3.550.506 Accept
 Outdated teaching methods without innovation and experimentation3.500.590 Accept
 Non-technologically driven teachings3.480.509 Accept
 Apprentices are continually regarded as servants by masters even after skill acquisition3.430.629 Accept

Hypotheses 3: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the challenges that confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria

Table 6:

ANOVA analyzes significant differences between the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the challenges that confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria

S/n    VariableF Valuep Value
1. Lack of financial support0.6240.624
2. Fear of completion of apprenticeship0.9850.181
3. Living with the family of masters0.8490.849
4. Gender biases in apprenticeship0.7820.318
5. Lack of theoretical knowledge0.7231.011
6. Outdated teaching practices0.6630.663
7. Inconsistent teaching methodologies0.7820.182
8. Limited resources0.8490.851
9. Continued perception as servants by masters even after skill acquisition0.9850.985

Table 6 portrays the ANOVA analysis examining the challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry among dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu and indicates that all p-values exceed the significance level of 0.05. Therefore, I Accept the null hypothesis (H₀), concluding that there is no significant difference between the textile dealers in the three states regarding the challenges they face in traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Summary of the findings: This is presented in line with the research questions and hypotheses that guide the study.

Research Question One: How does traditional apprenticeship encourage the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

Finding 1: How traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria, in descending order of acceptance include;

  1. Apprenticeship has a multiplier effect in that as apprentices graduate and gather more skills, they train more apprentices thus enhancing the growth of the textile industry (x=3.70)
  2. Apprenticeship gives a lot of trading skills to Apprentices (x=3.63)
  3.  In apprenticeship, further mentoring is given to the apprentices in the business even after graduation, (x=3.58);
  4. The master assists the apprentice in expanding and opening more branches, (x=3.58);
  5. Funds are provided to apprentices when needed for business expansion (x=3.55);
  6. Apprenticeship encourages practical hands-on training with good employment opportunity, (x=3.50).
  7. It provides continuous mentoring by the master trainer (x=3.48)
  8. Innovation and product diversification is encouraged in apprenticeship (x=3.43).
  9. Apprenticeship exposes apprentices to textile financial management (x=3.38) and
  10. Apprenticeship exposes apprentices to wholesale strategies (x=3.33).
  11. They are exposed to online textile marketing and sales (x=3.33);

Hypothesis One:  There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Finding 2: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Research Question Two: To what extent has traditional apprenticeship enhanced the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

Finding 3: Traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria to a Large Extent (x=3.42).

Research Question Three:  WhatChallenges confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria?

Finding 4: The following Challenges confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria, in descending order of acceptance.

  1. Gender bias in apprenticeship, with males mostly involved (x=3.58).
  2. Outdated teaching methods without innovation and experimentation (x=3.55)
  3. Non-technologically driven teaching methods (3.50)
  4. Lack of financial support (x=3.40).
  5. Apprentices are continually regarded as servants by masters even after skill acquisition and graduation (x=3.40).
  6. Fear of incompletion of the apprenticeship due to some master’s behavior (x=3.35)
  7. Lack of theoretical knowledge alongside practical training (x=3.18);
  8. Living with the master’s family (x=3.00)
  9.  Get-rich-quick syndrome affecting youths’ patience in completing the apprenticeship (x=3.00); 

Hypothesis Three: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the challenges that confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

Finding Six: There is no significant difference among the textile dealers in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu on the challenges that confront traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

DISCUSSIONS:  The findings will be discussed in line with the objectives that guide the study.

How traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

          It was found that the multiplier effect tops the list of howtraditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria. This implies that as apprentices graduate, they become Masters and gather more apprentices, train and graduate them thus enhancing the growth of the textile industry. It is therefore not surprising that Suhaimy, Sumardi, Sumardi, & Anshari (2022), perceives the apprenticeship programme as a conducive workforce, while, Ifechukwu-Jacobs, 2022) found it very effective for unemployment reduction. The study also supports Sani & Adamu & Adamu & Umar (2022), who describe it as a way of job creation. All these make it possible to enhance the growth of the textile industry. It is also interesting to note that all the states in SE Nigeria are in tandem with this finding as there is no significant difference found among them. This finding implies that in this system of training, there is no unemployment, unlike the formal school system where most graduates remain unemployed for years after graduation.  According to the 2024 Graduate Report, Nigeria produces approximately 600,000 graduates yearly. A Covenant University Repository report by Aderinsola Adio-Adepoju in November 2021, states that 36.26% of recent graduates are unemployed. (https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20211113143735211)

The extent traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria:

           It was found that traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria to a Large Extent. This is not surprising especially as it assists in the acquisition of trading skills, provides practical hands-on training with good employment prospects, has a multiplier effect that enables the training of more apprentices, helps apprentices to further their education in the textile, and provides funds for business expansion to a large extent. Consequently, the growth of the textile industry is largely enhanced. This implies that businesses can be improved by giving practical training, through a multiplier effect which requires encouraging young ones to gather others and train them as well, if not, the business of the profession will become extinct This is why it is important to ensure that the teaching profession is encouraged so more professionals can be produced to enhance growth n economy. This study is in tandem with Onyebuchi-Igbokwe & Ndebilie, (2024) that found that apprenticeship is a vehicle for the development and sustenance, of Indigenous entrepreneurship and boosts unemployment reduction Ifechukwu-Jacobs (2022).

Challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.

           It was found that traditional apprenticeship in SE Nigeria is fraught with many challenges with the top three being, Gender bias in apprenticeship, with males mostly involved, Outdated teaching methods without innovation and experimentation, and non-technologically driven teaching methods. It is not surprising that gender bias topped the list of the challenges. This shows that the Igbos still practice gender inequality in this regard. Not many parents in Igboland will be willing to expose their daughters to the hazards of the apprenticeship system in the textile industry, where they will be under the Masters and living with them. Men who want their wives to become entrepreneurs would prefer to train them- their wives, themselves. In that case very few if any girls will be found as Fabric Apprentices, rather they may be used as house helpers under the Madams of the house and not the Masters. Since the training is an informal one involving little or no research, experimentation, innovations, and technology; the teaching methods will surely be outdated. This finding supports Uwameiye and Iyamu (2002), on the types of training methodology used by the Nigerian Indigenous Apprenticeship System. These and other challenges call for modernization of the system. The finding is in line with Chukwu and Njoku’s (2024) study, which found significant challenges in the apprenticeship system in Igboland.

Implications: Implications of the findings are that traditional apprenticeship:

  1. Enhances growth in businesses, providing a multiplier effect that encourages growth in businesses.
  2. It provides immediate employment
  3. The traditional apprenticeship should be encouraged.
  4. The modern schooling system should emulate themultiplier effect and job device creation of the traditional apprenticeship system.

Contributions to Knowledge:

  1. The study has exposed the importance of the traditional apprenticeship system especially its multiplier effect and job creation.
  2. It provides traditional apprenticeship literature for researchers.
  3. It provides a framework for the formal schooling system on how to ensure the growth of the educational system and enhance the employment of school leavers.
  4. It has also x-rayed the challenges of the traditional apprenticeship, which can be explored and improved upon.

Suggestions for Further Studies:   

  1. This study should be carried out in other states and other industries in Nigeria.
  2.  Studies should be carried out on how to modernize and improve the traditional apprenticeship system.
  3. Studies should be carried out on how the formal school system can apply the multiplier effect to reduce unemployment and enhance the educational system in Nigeria.

Recommendations: Based on the findings the following recommendations were made;

  1.  The formal school system should adopt the multiplier effect model as apprentices to ensure graduates are employed after schooling so that they can contribute to the economic development and growth of the country.
  2. More females should be involved in traditional apprenticeships to avoid gender bias.
  3. Traditional apprenticeship training should be more technologically driven.
  4. Teaching methods should involve more innovation and experimentation.

REFERENCES:

Abdulazeez, A.Y.  Nasir, S. M., Yakubu Y., Lams &. Dabo M. I. (2021). The Role of Textile and Polymer Industries in the Development and Growth of Nigerian Economy. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Research E-ISSN 2545-5303 P-ISSN 2695-2203 Vol 7. No. 4 2021 www.iiardjournals.org IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development Page 28

AED 59 (2002). Orientation and training/training methodology used by the Nigerian Indigenous Apprenticeship System. Education for Everyone. Worldwide. Lifelong. / Adult Education and Development / Editions / AED 59/2002 / 

Chukwu, U. H., Ugochukwu. R. I. and Njoku M., (2024). The challenges and prospects of the Igbo apprenticeship system in modern times.  World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. 23 (01), 237–249 Publication history: Received on 23 May; revised on 01 July 2024; accepted on 04 July 2024 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.1.2014

Gallup, A. (2024). What We Know About Registered Apprenticeship: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of 30 Years of Empirical Research. Economic Development Quarterly38(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.1177/08912424231196792Owen, M & Ogunleye, C & Orekoya, E &

Ifechukwu-Jacobs, C. J., (2022). Effect of Igbo trade apprenticeship system on unemployment reduction in Onitsha. International Journal of Business Systems and Economics ISSN: 2360-9923, Volume 13, Issue 7, (September 2022) pages 96-107 DOI:2726452731376 www.arcnjournals.org arcnjour

Ijaseun, K. D.,  (2022). Partnerships will drive growth in Nigeria’s textile industry –https://businessday.ng/real-sector/article/partnerships-will-drive-growth-in-nigerias-textile-industry-kern/

Nnonyelu, N. Au.; Nnabuife, E. K.; Onyeizugbe, C. U.; Anazodo, R. & Onyima, B., (2023). Igbo Apprenticeship (Igba Boyi) – an exemplar of Indigenous African entrepreneurship model, International Journal of Management (IJM), 14(4), 2023, pp. 257-271 https://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJM?Volume=14&Issue=4

Muehlemann, S., Wolter, S.C. (2024). Return on investment of apprenticeship systems for enterprises: Evidence from cost-benefit analyses. IZA J Labor Policy. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 23 (01), 237–249 Publication history: Received on 23 May; revised on 01 July 2024; accepted on 04 July 2024 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.1.2014

Oladejo, Mutiat. (2019). Work Socialisation And Apprenticeship In Ibadan Garment Industry, 1930s To 1970s. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3427-17195_CHA

Onwuka, E. M. and Nwaneri. E.C., (2023). Apprenticeship Training And Wealth Creation In South East Nigeria. Journal of the Management Sciences, Vol. 60 (5) Dec. 234 https://journals.unizik.edu.ng › article › download

Onyebuchi-Igbokwe, G. &  Ndebilie,  C., (2024). An Empirical Approach to Textile Production and the Correlates of Technology Options in Nigeria’s Textile Industry. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews: an International ISSN Approved Journal 3, 25 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/2193-9004-3-2

Suhaimy, M. H., Sumardi, W. A., Sumardi, W. H., and Anshari, M. (2022). An empirical study of training transfer in an apprenticeship program for a conducive workforce. International Journal of Training Research21(2), 134–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/14480220.2022.2152471

Sani, G., Adamu, M., Adamu, B. and Umar, N., (2022). Apprenticeship training and job creation: A conceptual framework of their Relationship. ATBU Journal of Science, Technology and Education 9 (4), 274-281.

Suhaimy, M. H., Sumardi, W. A., Sumardi, W. H., & Anshari, M. (2022). An empirical study of training transfer in an apprenticeship programme for a conducive workforce.International Journalof Training Research, 21(2),134–166.https://doi.org/10.1080/14480220.2022.2152471

Uwameiye, R. and Iyamu, E.O. S., (2002). Training methodology used by the Nigerian indigenous apprenticeship system. Adult Education And Development, 59, 2002, p. 169-180 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000208529

APPENDICES:

Appendix I: List of Selected Markets and Population and Sample of the Study.

S/N         MARKETS                               *MASTERS  Population  *MASTERS  sample

1 **  Ariaria International Market – Aba           729**                                     729

2 **  New Market – Aba                                    547 **                                     547

3       Ekeoha Market – Aba                                677

4       Cemetery Market – Aba                            574

5       Alaoji Market – Aba                                  834

6  ** Onitsha Main Market – Onitsha                1126 **                                 1126

7       Ojidi Building Market – Onitsha               1126

8         Inter. Electronic Market – Onitsha         1126

9         Nkwo Nnewi Market – Nnewi                601

10 **  Ochanja Inter. Market – Onitsha              826 **                                     826

11       Alaba Inter. Market – Owerri                  391

12       Industrial Cluster Naze – Owerri              378

13       Timber Market Naze – Owerri                404

14       Malaysia Market – Obowo                      352

15       Relief Market Owerri                              143

16**   Ogbete main Market Enugu                    250    **                                  250

17**     New market Enugu                                276   **                                   276

Total                                                                  10436                             3754 –  8%= 300.25

Source: Market Union Registers, 2022

*  Masters are the Mentors of the apprentices.

         **  Samples selected for the study.            

Appendix II: Traditional Apprenticeship and Textile Industry Growth Questionnaire (TATIG)

             To Respondents

 I am a student at Learn to Live Business School (LLBS), pursuing a postgraduate degree program.  I am glad to inform you that you have been selected as a participant in this study, CONGRATULATIONS!  Consequently, you are kindly requested to be very honest in your answers. Note that there are no implications whatsoever in your responses, as they will be used for research purposes only. There are no right or wrong answers just be frank. There are four options Kindly TICK only one but ensure you answer ALL the questions.

 Thank you

 JOSHUA ONUOHA

SA  = Strongly Disagree

A   =  Agree

D   =  Disagree

SD =  Strongly Disagree

             OR

  VLE= Very Large Extent  

 LE= Large Extent  

SE=   Small Extent  

VSE= Very Small Extent  

 Where Applicable:

SECTION 1: Respondents’ Demographics

  1. State of business location:  [    ] Abia State       [   ] Anambra   [   ] Enugu

2.     No of Apprentices you have:  [   ] below 5 [   ] 6 – 10    [  ]  above 10

3.     No of years in the Fabric business [   ] Less than 5 years [   ] More than 5 years  [  ] Over 10 years 

Cluster I: How traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria
 The following is how traditional apprenticeship encourages the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria.
S/ NINDICATE YOUR LEVEL OF AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENTSAADSD
 It gives a lot of trading skills to the Apprentices.    
 They are exposed to wholesale strategies.    
  They learn online textile marketing and sales.    
  They learn textile financial management.    
 It provides practical, hands-on training with good prospects for employment after training.    
 It has a multiplier effect in that as the apprentice graduates he/she gathers more people to be trained in the business thereby enhancing business growth.            
 It provides continuous mentoring whereby the Master continues to mentor the Apprentice even after graduation, thereby protecting the business from folding up and therefore, enhancing growth.    
 Apprentice are helped to further their education in the business.    
   The Master helps the Apprentice expand his/her business by opening up more branches.    
  Funds are provided to Apprentices when needed for the expansion of business.    
  Innovation and Product Diversification are encouraged in Apprenticeship for business growth.    
           Cluster II: Extent the traditional apprenticeship enhances the growth of the textile industry in SE Nigeria:// To what extent does the following help in enhancing the growth of the textile industry in                                       SE    VLE    LE    SE    VSE
  Acquisition of trading skills    
 Exposed to wholesale strategies    
 Mastering online textile marketing and sales     
  Mastering textile financial management     
12.Provision of practical, hands-on training with good prospects for employment after training    
13.The multiplier effect where the apprentice graduate gathers more people to train in the business    
15.Continuous mentoring whereby the Master continues to mentor the Apprentice even after graduation, thereby protecting the business from folding up.    
16.Helping the apprentice to further their education in the textile business    
 Provision of funds to Apprentices when needed for expansion of business.    
Cluster III: Challenges confronting traditional apprenticeship in the growth of textile industry in SE Nigeria Are:
  Lack of financial support SAADSD
 Fear of incompletion of the Apprenticeship due to the wickedness of some masters    
 Living with the family of masters          
 ‘Get rich quick syndrome’, which makes modern youths not wait long enough to graduate.
 Low standard of education among Apprentices. Many do not pass through Primary or secondary schools. Very few if any are university graduates    
 Apprenticeship in SE is gender biased as males are mostly involved.    
 Training as no theoretical knowledge is provided alongside practical experience.    
 Teaching is usually outdated without innovations and experimentation.    
 Teachings are not technologically driven.    
 Apprentices are continually regarded as ‘Servants’ by their ‘Masters; even when they have graduated.    

THANK YOU

TRADITIONAL APPRENTICESHIP AND GROWTH OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA Read More »

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT: CASE OF INNOSSON NIGERIAN LIMITED

By
AJUMOBI DUMKENECHI ELUEM
Learn to Live Business School, UK
  
Dumkeneaju999@gmail.com
Phone: 08037089891

ABSTRACT:

 This study examines HRM and employee commitment in organizations with a case study of Innoson Nigerian Limited. Innoson Nig. Ltd. pride in African roads, has existed for 16 years and is now ready to take a giant step into electric cars. Considering the importance of human resource management (HRM) practices, especially training and development in an organization, the study investigated the HRM of Innoson Nigeria Ltd. to determine if her employees are committed to the new development ahead. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. A purposive sampling method was used to select 85 participants, consisting of 15 managers and 80 staff of Innoson Nig. Ltd. in Nnewi. A structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview Guide. The findings show that HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited to a Large Extent; The roles HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. include Training and development opportunities to staff Making the training and development programs relevant to employees’ jobs, making them have confidence in performing beyond expectation;  motivates employees Making employees more organized; Enhancing creative thinking and performance beyond expectation; Helps employees reduce burnout and stress and be more committed to their jobs. The shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact the Normative Commitment of employees are: Hiring fast to avoid byproducts resulting in a shortage of qualified candidates; and attracting highly skilled staff that are expensive to maintain and retain. However, Innoson Nig. Ltd. overcomes the shortcomings through training and development opportunities and Using IM recruitment and selection methods, especially where specialized skills are concerned. No significant difference was found between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment; the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment and the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd. It was concluded that HRM largely impacts employee Commitment in organizations especially in Innoson Nig. Ltd, for achieving her lofty vision.  It was recommended that organizations should prioritize HRM practices, especially in training and development, encourage outsourcing to reduce cost, and hire fast. Also, they should use IM recruitment practices to attract highly skilled but inexpensive staff that can be maintained/ retained.

Key Words: Human Resource Management (HRM); Employee Commitment:  Affective Commitment; Continuance Commitment; Normative Commitment; Innosson Nigerian Limited.

INTRODUCTION:

Background of the Problem:

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, organizations aim at maintaining a competitive edge. One crucial factor to an organization’s success is the employeescommonly referred to as Human Resources (HR). Among all the factors of production, land, capital, and entrepreneurship HR is the most important because it is the engine that ignites the others into action. Human resources, as a term, originated in America and has since become a crucial department in all organizations (Tiwari, 2012). Human Resource Management (HRM) is the systematic arrangement and organization of the organization toward performance beyond expectation in the achievement of organizational goals, vision, and mission (Chiaha, Onu & Enyi (2016). HRM involves, rewarding, compensation, and performance measurement activities (Dinc, 2017), as well as training and development practices (Zaim, 2016) of the HR department.  This seems to stem from Sheppeck & Militello’s (2000) HRM practices, which are employment, skill development, work policies, supportive environment, and performance management. This study is interested in HRM’s recruitment, training, and development practices. Thus, HRM practices focus on increasing employee satisfaction for positive employee effectiveness and commitment (Ahmed and Top 2021).  This implies Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a vital role in fostering employee commitment, therefore, an organization seeking competitive advantage must enhance its employee commitment., by implementing practices that attract, retain, and motivate employees. 

Employee commitment is the zeal to be part of the organizational success. It connects employees with their organization and bonds workers’ performance with their organization (Mart, 2013). Employee commitment has three main dimensions; Affective Commitment, Continuance Commitment, and Normative Commitment

Affective Commitment deals with employees feeling that they like their jobs, which is in line with the values and goals of the organization; Continuance Commitment involves fear of losing their jobs. Normative Commitment is the sense of responsibility an employee feels pressure to continue. It can stem from company investment, which is money or time to train employees or give rewards in advance to keep skilled workers (Dinc, 2017; Yildiz, 2017). Therefore, employee commitment drives productivity, job satisfaction, and organizational performance. This study is interested in these three dimensions of employee commitment. Studies indicate some of the benefits of employee commitment as increased job satisfaction (Ahmed & Top 2021), decreased intention to leave, improved job performance, reduced employee turnover, and reduced absenteeism (Yildiz and Amin, 2020). Therefore, this study is an attempt to investigate HRM and employee commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited.

 Statement of The Problem.

 Innoson Nigeria Ltd. is a Nigerian automobile founded in 2007 by Chief Innocent Chukwuma Nwala. The headquarters is at Nnewi, in Anambra State Nigeria, with other offices in different parts of Nigeria and at MaliSierra Leone, and Ghana Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing is nicknamed Pride of African Roads. According to the company, 70% of its car parts are produced locally,[5] while the rest are sourced from Japan, China, and Germany.[3] Among IVM’s vehicle models are the five-seater Fox (1.5-litre engine) and Umu (2-litre engine) as well as the mini-bus Uzo.[6]  However, on 20 May 2022, Innoson presented its first “Keke”. Kekes are three-wheeled motor vehicles and the main means of transport in Nigeria, with a production capacity of 60,000 “Kekes” per year, to be increased by a new production plant in Owerri in Imo State. The domestic production of the ubiquitous trikes in Nigeria is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s trade balance and labor market.[8][9] In addition, On 11 September 2024, Innoson unveiled its first locally made electric vehicle, [10] claiming that Nigeria is ‘ready for the world of electric cars and IVM is ready and prepared for that change’. With these giant steps taken by Innoson, one wonders if her employees are committed enough to embark on these lofty goals. The question therefore is, how does the HRM of Innoson Nigeria Ltd. ensure that the employees are well committed to these new developments? This is the essence of this study. This study is interested in the employment, training, and development practices of HRM of Innoson Nig Ltd. The purpose of this paper is to examine HRM and employee commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited.  Specifically, the study will:

  1. Determine the extent human resource management (HRM) practices impact employee Affective Commitment at Innoson Nigerian Limited.
  2. Explore roles of training and development in influencing employee Continuance Commitment at Innoson Nigerian Limited.
  3. Identify the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Research Questions: The following research questions guided the study;

  1. To what extent does the HRM influence employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited?
  2. What roles does the HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited

 Hypotheses: The following hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance to guide the study.

HO1:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM 

            influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Ltd..

HO2:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM play 

           in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited.

HO3:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the shortcomings

            in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative

            The commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Significance: This study is significant in several ways – it contributes to the existing literature on HRM and employee commitment by providing insights into the specific mechanisms by which HRM practices influence employee commitment. The findings will inform organizational policymakers and HR practitioners especially in organizations such as Innosson Nig. Ltd., on effective strategies to enhance employee commitment, ultimately improving organizational performance. Specifically, the study is very significant to Innoson Nig Ltd which intends to expand its scope of production. The findings will be beneficial in providing an illuminative formative evaluation of the company’s ability to implement the proposed new development in her production, in that the company will become well informed of the level of commitment of her employees and the effectiveness of her HRM practices.

Scope:  This study has geographical and content scope. The geographical scope was limited to the headquarters of Innoson Nigeria Ltd. At Nnewi, while the content scope focuses on, the recruitment and selection, training and development practices of HRM practices as well as Affective Commitment, Continuance Commitment, and Normative Commitment; Role in influencing employee job satisfaction, and the shortcomings in recruitment and selection practices that may be negatively impacting employee job satisfaction.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Literature covers conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and review of empirical studies.

The conceptual Framework includes concepts of Human Resources, Human Resource Management, Employee Commitment, and Innoson Nigerian Limited.

  • Concept of Human Resource: Human resources (HR) is a term first coined by John

         R. Commons, an American institutional economist, in his 1893 book “The Distribution of Wealth.” By the 20th century HR units otherwise known as Personnel departments, started to develop formally in public and private institutions (Tiwari, 2012). Human resources (HR) is responsible for finding, recruiting, screening, and training job applicants and administering employee benefit programs. The primary goal of HR is to support employee recruitment, retention, engagement, and overall productivity, which can vary between organizations and positions. The primary goal of the HR department is to maximize employee productivity while protecting the company from workforce-related issues through its various functions of, Managing compensation and benefits, Recruiting and retaining employees, Handling terminations, and Maintaining compliance with any laws that may affect the company and its employees.

  • Concept of Human Resource Management:

           Human Resource Management (HRM) evolved as an American terminology (Tiwari, 2012), which has to do with the systematic arrangement of the concerns of all the human capital in the organization, for promoting their skills, well-being, and motivation. Ahmed, Jumana & Top, Cemil. (2021). It has been observed that HRM has a significant impact on employee commitment at organizations. HRM practices in organizations include training, rewarding, compensation, and performance measurement activities (Dinc, 2017). These practices create work conditions and environment that make employees highly committed to the organization (have a positive attitude) and do their best to accomplish the organization’s goals Cherif, (2020), thus encouraging employees’ satisfaction with their jobs (Mohammed et al., 2019), improve employees’ attitude (commitment) and subsequently their performance (Cai et al., 2019).  This study is interested in the training aspect of HRM as it gives employees the confidence to perform their tasks diligently for greater organizational effectiveness (Anwar & Shukur, 2015).

  • Concept of and Employee Commitment:

            Employee Commitment is the determination of the employee to remain connected with the organization.  (Mart, 2013) refers to it as the bond that workers practice with their organization making them have a greater tendency for higher productivity innovation (Dinc, 2017). The pioneers of the commitment studies in the literature observed that employee commitment for organizational effectiveness helps to leverage employee capabilities and commitment within the company (Adam, 2020). Studies show that committed employees have increased motivation and performance in the company, which directly impacts organizational output (Mohammed et al., 2020; Budur and Poturak, 2021). Therefore, this study considers it important to investigate employee commitment in Innoson Nigeria Ltd. Employee commitment was divided into the following three dimensions by Meyer and Allen, (1991);  Affective Commitment- how employees feel about their work and the company; Continuance Commitment involves employees’ concern about retention in the organization, their worry about losing the job; Normative Commitment is the sense of responsibility that an employee feels pressure to continue to serve in the company, as a result of benefits and rewards (Dinc, 2017; Yildiz, 2017). Such benefits of organizational commitment include increased job satisfaction, decreased intention to leave, and increased job performance Ahmed, Jumana & Top, Cemil. (2021). This implies that employee commitment can result in increased sales (Yildiz, 2017), decreased employee turnover (Cohen, 1991), and decreased absenteeism (Yildiz and Amin, 2020).

          The relationship between HRM and employee commitment is therefore a central key for the internal and external effectiveness of organizations. HRM practices such as training and skill-development opportunities (Torlak, Demir, and Budur, 2021b), can enhance employee commitment and consequently greater organizational performance.  It therefore becomes imperative to investigate the HRM and employee commitment of Innosson Nigeria Ltd to determine their preparedness to embark on their new proposed venture.

Theoretical Framework: The research study made use of two theories the “mutual investment” model and the “effective wage model” (Tsui, et al, 1997). The maxim of the “mutual investment” model is that when the employer looks after her employees, her employees will look after the employer. When the employer signals that she takes care of the well-being of her employees, then the employees will react with more goodwill, commitment, and willingness to cooperate. On the existing “effective wage model” they argued that the employment relationship is not only made up of financial exchange, but a further layer involving social exchange, in which the employers and employees exchange goods that have not been previously agreed upon earlier on.  This implies that employers offer employees “social” goods by giving them opportunities for career enhancement. Thus, in the context of the mutual-investment model (Tsui et al, 1997 and Tsui and Wang, 2002) the internal and strategic fits within an organization are considered to be either job focused or organizational-focused. In a job-focused approach, the emphasis is on shared rewards and direct compensation, resulting in a series of short-term economic exchanges between the employer and the employee. In an organization-focused approach, the exchange is more on the long-term relationship. In that case, there is a greater emphasis on training, and employees are given more job security, resulting in a more stable exchange relationship between the employer and the employee. In this case, employees will show more cooperative behavior in response to the investments of the employer. In this context, a highly skilled, well-motivated, loyal, and dedicated workforce is formed for the organizations, ensuing employee commitment.  This study is interested in the organization-focused approach, on which this study is anchored.

Review of Empirical Studies:  Studies reviewed include: Studies on Human Resource Management; Studies on Employee Commitment and Studies on Innoson Nigerian Limited.

  • Studies on Human Resource Management and Employee Commitment:

Nsor, Eneh  &  Ele (2024), evaluated the relationship between employees’ commitment and organizational performance of the University of Cross River State, Calabar. The study adopted a survey research design. From the population of 1206, the sample of 300 respondents was determined through the Taro Yamane formula. The instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire. The study adopted the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, to test the hypotheses and to determine the relationships between the independent and dependent variables under study. The study revealed that there was a significant relationship between affective commitment and job satisfaction of workers, that there was a substantial relationship between normative commitment and motivation of workers, that there was a significant relationship between continuance commitment to work and workers’ involvement in the University of Cross River State. The study recommended among others that Normative commitment should also be developed by workers and supported by management by providing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to workers in the institution. The management of the institution should also create continuance commitment among workers in order to enhance job involvement and performance in the institution.

Dunmade, Kadiri, Aun, Bello, and Yahaya, (2019), investigated the influence of human resource management practices on employees’ commitment to ensuring sustainable performance among the staff of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command Headquarters, Ilorin. The population of this study comprised employees of NSCDC – consisting of six departments, using a self-administered questionnaire. The results of the tested hypotheses showed that training and development have a significant effect on employee commitment. This study is very relevant to the current study in the sense that both studied HRM and employee commitment. However, while this study focused on staff of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State Command Headquarters, Ilorin, the current study is based on Innoson Nigeria Ltd, a manufacturing firm.

Babalola, Afolabi & Olusegun’s (2019) study focused on a model designed to explain the linkage between HRM practices and employees’ commitment to the core values of business organization. The model places a high premium on the business environment as the major determinant of whatever happens in the business organization. The values, beliefs and philosophies of founders must be congruent with the business environment otherwise reaching the business objectives becomes difficult. Similarly, the management of people in the workplace through human resources management practices is contingent on human resources management policy which draws its strengths from business objectives and organisational policies. The model distinguishes that where human resources management practices can herald positive perception and image, employees will be loyal and be willing to remain with the organization over a long period thus ensuring commitment to the core values of the organization and the feedback framework is an avenue to evaluate the level of agreement between and among the business environment, employees’ expectations and focus of the organization. The relationship between this study and the current one lies in the fact that both centered on HRM and employee commitment, but while this study is designed to explain the linkage between HRM practices and employee commitment, the current study attempted to test the veracity of the model. 

Ogunyemi, (2021) analyzed the effect of human resource management practices on employees’ commitment: A study of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. The study focused on performance appraisal, compensation management, and training and development against the three-dimensional models of employees’ commitment, namely: affective, continuance, and normative commitment respectively. The survey research design that was adopted. A well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection from a stratified and simple random sample of 200 employees and with the use of the Taro Yamen formula, a sample size of 400 employees. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) while Linear Regression was used for the analysis. The result indicated that performance appraisal, compensation management, and training and development all had significant effects on affective, continuance, and normative commitment respectively. As a result of the findings, the study therefore recommended that organizations should ensure the effective and unbiased implementation of the selected human resource management practices to get employees to remain committed.  This study is very relevant to the current one in that both investigated HRM and employee commitment using similar respondents, and data collection techniques. However, this study focused on performance appraisal, compensation management, and training and development against the three-dimensional models of employee commitment, namely: affective, continuance, and normative commitment respectively, while the current study was just recruitment and training aspects of HRM but against the same three-dimensional models of employees’ commitment, namely: affective, continuance and normative commitment.

  • Studies on Innoson Nigerian Limited.

Nwekpa, Offor, and Chukwuma, (2021), studied “Correlate of outsourcing and organizational productivity determined the extent of the relationship between outsourcing and organizational productivity of Innoson Technical and Industrial Company, Emene, Enugu” to determine the extent of the relationship between cost-driven outsourcing, technology-driven outsourcing, and business process outsourcing on the quantity of output, quality of product and efficiency. The study employed a correlation design. A questionnaire was administered to the sample of 286, The data collected were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient via SPSS Version 20.0, whereas a correlation matrix was also employed to ascertain the extent of the relationship of specified variables. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between cost-driven outsourcing and the quantity of output. This study is very relevant to the current study in that both studied Innoson Nigeria Limited, but while this study focused on outsourcing and organizational productivity of the Technical and Industrial Company at Emene, this study is interested in the HRM and employee commitment at the Headquarters in Nnewi.

Ekwochi et al (2018) aimed to appraise “collective decision making and its effect on organization commitment in the manufacturing industry (A study of Innoson Company Limited, Emene)”, using primary and secondary methods of data collection through questionnaire, oral interview, and personal observation, Periodicals and journals, Textbooks and lecture and notebooks, and the Internet. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, while the hypotheses were tested with chi-square. A significant relationship was found to exist between collective decision-making and organizational commitment. Collective decision-making affects the organizational growth and profitability of Innoson Company Limited, Enugu.  They concluded that collective decision-making has an impact on the performance of the company. The researcher therefore recommends that Innoson Company Limited should always implement vital decisions made jointly with the workers otherwise, it would reap distrust as well as a lack of confidence and commitment among its employees. Although both studies dwelt on Innoson, this one focused on collective decision-making and its effect on the organizational commitment of Innoson Ltd, this study is on HRM and employee commitment of Innoson Ltd. However, similar research designs, instruments, and analyses were employed, but this study used only primary data.

Chukwuma’s (2015), study examined the global challenges in human resource management in Innoson Motors Ltd, Nigeria with a population of 630 senior staff of the company. The Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the research questions while the Chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at a 5% significant level. The results revealed that Nigerians are predominantly employed in administrative positions while non-Nigerians are employed to manage the technical work in the company. The non-Nigerian staffers in the company are all employed as technical staff, indicating that the acquisition of technical know-how is a reason for employing foreigners. The recruitment procedure for Nigerian employees is significantly different from the recruitment procedure for non-Nigerians. Thus the study concludes that there is discrimination in the employment processes in the company, wherein the non-Nigerian staff received better treatment and employment terms than Nigerian staff. Hence it is recommended that the management of hi-tech firms in Nigeria should encourage the transfer of technical know-how to engender development of technological and human capital base in Nigeria. On-the-job training, media for in-house knowledge sharing, and seminars should be encouraged.

Appraisal of Literature Reviewed: Concepts of three main variables were reviewed. The study agrees with (Tiwari, 2012) on the concepts of  Human Resources and Human Resource Management. However, the study perceives Human Resources as the employees of Innoson Nigeria Ltd and Human Resource Management as the recruitment, training, and development of the employees of the firm. The study adopted the (Dinc, 2017) concept of employee Commitment but focused on Meyer and Allen, (1991), three dimensions of employee Commitment, which are; Affective Commitment; Continuance Commitment Normative, and Commitment. The study was framed on two theories the “mutual investment” model and the “effective wage models” by Tsui, et al, (1997). Four empirical studies were reviewed on Human Resource Management and Employee Commitment and three studies on Innoson Nigerian Limited Out of the studies reviewed none was on HRM and Employee Commitment in the case of Innoson, Nigeria Ltd. This is the gap filled by this study.

METHODOLOGY: This involves the research design, area of study, population, sample and sampling method, and instrument. Method of data collection, method of data analysis.

 Research Design: A mixed-methods approach, which combines qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques was adopted.

Area of Study: The area of this study is Nnewi, a city in Anambra state, in South-East of Nigeria.  The people are Igbos, known for their business acumen and industrialization, especially in motor parts production and marketing., drawing people from all over Nigeria and abroad to the purchase of material spare parts.

Population and sampling Method: The study population involves 1,800 employees of Innoson in Nigeria. The participants in this study include employees from various departments within the company. A purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure diversity including 15 Managers and 75 staff from the headquarters in Nnewi. The sample size was determined based on the saturation of data, towards a balanced representation across different departments. A total sample of 85 employees was selected and used.

Instruments for Data Collection: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and an in-depth interview Guide, titled ‘Human Resource Management (HRM) Employee Commitment Questionnaire (HRMECQ)’ and ‘Human Resource Management (HRM) Employee Commitment Interview Guide (HRMECIG)’ respectively. The HRMECQ was developed based on validated scales and existing literature to explore variables related to the extent HRM practices impact employee Affective Commitment; Roles of training and development in influencing employee Continuance Commitment and the shortcomings of recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd. The questionnaire was structured on a 4-point Likert-type rating scale with options of; SA- Strongly Disagree; A- Agree; D-Disagree; SD – Strongly Disagree and VLE- Very Large Extent; LE- Large Extent; SE- Small Extent; VSE- Very Small Extent and weighted 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. It has two sections, A and B. Section A, collected the demographics of the respondents, while Section B has three clusters and 30 items for answering the research questions.

 The HRMECIG consists of seven open-ended questions based on the three research questions.

 Validation of the Instrument: Three experts validated the instruments and ascertained the appropriateness and clarity of the items of the instruments. Their comments, suggestions, and observations guided the production of the final instruments. (App I).

 Reliability of the Instrument: A pilot study on another similar company in Enugu was conducted for a trial testing of the instruments, using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded an internal consistency of 0.88 for the entire instrument, which was therefore considered reliable enough for the study.

Method of Data Collection: The study employed a face-to-face administration strategy. The researcher with his well-trained research assistants directly administered the questionnaire, while the researcher personally interviewed the heads of departments and recorded the outcome.  The entire data collection lasted for three weeks. A high return rate of 95% was recorded.  The researcher interviewed six HODs in their offices after prior appointments with them. Each interview session lasted for between 20 to 25 minutes. 

Method of Data Analysis: The data were analyzed quantitatively, using means and standard deviation. Decisions were arrived at using the criterion mean score of 2.50. This implies that Means below 2.50 were taken to indicate that the corresponding item was NOT Accepted by the respondents, while Mean scores of 2.50 and above were taken to indicate that the corresponding items were Accepted for the same reason. The results from the Interview and Focus Group Discussion were qualitatively analyzed.

For the hypothesis, t-test analysis was adopted at a 0.05 level of probability.  The significant level was determined with the P-table value about the. This implies that when the P-value is below 0.05 level of significance, that is when the calculated is greater than the t-table (1.96) it implies a Significant Difference between the means tested, thus the Null Hypothesis was Not Accepted.  On the other hand, when the P-value is higher than 0.05 or the  t calculated is greater than the t-table (1.96), it implies No Significant Difference between the means-tested. Therefore, the Null Hypotheses was Accepted.  For the research question that requires a test of the extent, the real limits of Numbers will be used to arrive at decisions as follows;

                    Mean Range            Decision

                      3.50 – 0.05 = (VLE) Very Large Extent 

                      2.50 – 3.05 = (LE)    Large Extent 

                      1.50 – 2.05 = (SE)   Small Extent

  • – 1.05 = (VSE) Very Small Extent 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Results: The results were presented in six tables in line with the research questions and hypotheses that guided the study.

RQ1: To what extent does the HRM influence employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited?

Table1:Managers         StaffManagers & Staff
Means and standard Deviation on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. LtdxSDDec.xSDDec.xSDDec.
1. Having clear and detailed job descriptions makes employees appreciate their jobs.3.001.62  LE2.710.77  LE1.860.61  LE
2. Recruiting /selecting staff through tracking the progress of applicants, and filtering their resumes based on specific qualifications and experience makes employees appreciate the values and goals of Innosson Nigeria Ltd.3.121.70  LE2.620.72  LE2.380.78LE
 3. Using standardized interview questions that assess candidate’s skills and experience makes successful employees feel satisfied with the recruitment process of Innosson Nig Ltd3.051.67  LE2.850.82  LE2.951.52    LE
4. Beyond skills and qualifications, evaluating the cultural fitness of Innosson Nigeria Ltd to align with her values and work culture, makes employees feel committed to the organization.3.241.78  LE3.211.77  LE3.081.68  LE
5. Incorporating multiple stakeholders such as department heads, team members, and HR representatives during the recruitment /selection process give a sense of confidence to the candidates of Innoson Nig Ltd.3.031.68  LE3.161.73  LE3.091.61  LE
6.Recruiting /selecting staff through IM-IMAMADU-That is, adequate knowledge of the candidate by the employer makes the employees value the goals of Innoson Nig Ltd3.251.79  LE3.311.81  LE3.281.80  LE
CLUSTER MEAN 1:2.950.88  LE2.830.76  LE2.890.77  LE

Table 1 shows themeans and Standard Deviation on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. The cluster mean for both Managers and Staff shows a mean score of 2.89 and Standard Deviation of 0.77. The mean falls between the range of 2.50 and 3.05, indicating a Large Extent. This implies that the HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited to a Large Extent.

RQ2:  What roles does the HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.?

Table2:Managers         StaffManagers & Staff
Means and SD on the Roles HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Limited.xSDDec.xSDDec.xSDDec.
7. Employees of Innoson Nig Ltd. have training and development opportunities as soon as they are employed and  so they have no fear of losing their jobs3.331.66  A3.301.77  A3.321.67  A
8. The training and development programs are relevant to employees’ jobs making them confident in performing beyond expectation in Innoson Nig Ltd3.571.79  A3.461.57  A3.521.78  A
9.Training/ development is given to employees at Innoson Nig Ltd whenever they are transferred to a new department making them well prepared for the tasks ahead.3.011.76A3.321.87  A3.171.44  A
10.Training/ development motivates employees of Innoson Nig Ltd making them fit for any job3.251.57A3.151.69A3.201.55  A
11.Training/ development makes our employees more organized so they have no fear of being laid off due to the new developments in the company2.740.67  A3.041.61  A2.890.81  A
12.Training/ development makes our employees become more demanding for higher salaries2.550.71  A3.041.57  A2.790.57  A
13.Training/ development makes our employees more arrogant and disrespectful to other staff of Innoson Nig Ltd1.860.47  NA1.550.67  NA1.710.88  NA
14.Training/ development gives job autonomy to our employees, making them specialized for the new tasks ahead3.011.77  A3.451.57  A3.231.65  NA
15.Training/ development enhances teamwork for Innoson Nig Ltd ensuring no fear of retrenchment or job loss2.380.76  A3.051.62  A2.220.75NA
16.Training/development enhances creative thinking and performance beyond the expectation of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd3.271.38A3.311.42  A3.291.39  A
17.Training/ development helps employees mediate through crisis management at Innoson Nig Ltd3.001.55A3.17 A3.071.61A
18.Training/ development improves the overall performance of employees of Innoson Nig Ltd3.511.64A3.321.73A3.42`1.73  A
19.Training/ development helps our employees reduce burnout and stress3.311.49A3.251.07A3.281.47A
20.Training/ development makes our employees more committed to their jobs,3.541.66A2.740.77A2.650.71A
21. Unclear requirements of the job and unambiguous roles to play in the job make employee feels pressure not to continue2.470.77  A2.450.44  A2.261.76  NA
CLUSTER MEAN 2:3.241.78  A3.111.73  A3.181.77  A

Table 2 shows the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. According to the table, all the items have scores above 2,50 Criterion Mean, except 13, 14, 15, and 21 with means below 2.50. This indicates that, HRM at Innoson Nig. Ltd. gives training and development opportunities as soon as staff is employed, so they have no fear of losing their jobs; The training and development programs are relevant to employees’ jobs making them have confidence in performing beyond expectation in Innoson Nig Ltd. Training/ development are given to employees at Innoson Nig Ltd whenever they are transferred to a new department making them well prepared for the tasks ahead; Through Training/ development, the HRM; motivates employees of Innoson Nig Ltd.; making them fit for any job; Makes employees more organized so they have no fear of being laid off due to the new developments in the company; enhances creative thinking and performance beyond the expectation of employees; helps employees mediate through crisis management, improves the overall performance of employees; helps employees reduce burnout and stress; makes our employees more committed to their jobs.

RQ. 3: What are the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Table 3:

Means and Standard Deviation on shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of Staff at Innoson Nig Ltd.Managers         StaffManagers & Staff
 ITEMSxSDDec.xSDDec.xSDDec.
22. Engaging unqualified candidates due to hard-to-find skills at Innoson Nig Ltd, makes employees want to resign or quit the job2.32NA1.612.221.52NA2.271.56NA
23. Hiring fast to avoid byproduct result in a shortage of qualified candidates at Innoson Nig Ltd2.76A1.812.531.66A2.651.72A
24. Innoson Nig Ltd HRM attracts only inexperienced talents due to a lack of funds1.43NA0.721.430.72NA1.430.72NA
25. Innoson Nig Ltd HRM is Unsure of what makes employees committed and happy in their job1.23NA0.551.460.73NA1.350.77NA
26. Innoson Nig Ltd HRM practices a Very long hiring process, resulting in the best candidates finding another job.2.57NA1.662.501.60NA2.241.53NA
27. Innoson Nig Ltd HRM does not offer rewards in advance to keep skilled workers2.51A1.622.541.64A2.531.62A
28. Innoson Nig Ltd Recruits unfairly through corruption, tribalism, or nepotism which makes employees not committed.1.21NA0.521.410.71NA1.310.75NA
29. Innoson Nig Ltd attracts highly skilled candidates that are expensive to maintain/ retain2.55A1.652.671.78A2.611.72A
30. Innosson Nig Ltd recruitments and selects candidates  through IMAMADU (IM), that is recruitment based on adequate knowledge of the candidate’s capabilities and abilities.2.41NA1.742.442.75NA2.431.62NA
CLUSTER MEAN 3:2.11NA0.821.34 NA1.780.82  NA

Table 3 indicates means and Standard Deviation on shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of Staff at Innoson Nig Ltd.  The table shows that only items 23, 27, and 29 of the mean scores of the Manager and staff are above the 2.50 Criterion mean and so they are Accepted as shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of Staff at Innoson Nig Ltd. Thus, hiring fast to avoid byproduct result to shortage of qualified candidates at Innoson Nig Ltd; Innoson Nig Ltd HRM does not offer rewards in advance to keep skilled workers and Innoson Nig Ltd attracts highly skilled candidates that are expensive to maintain/ retain are found as the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of Staff at Innoson Nig Ltd. 

HypothesisOne:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

Table 4:

Summary of t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores of Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Ltd.

  N x N SD  DfSig./LevelT-CalT-tabDec    
Managers152.95        85  0.77    83  0.05  1.90  1.96  Not Significant
Staff702.83

Table 4, a summary of the t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores of Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Ltd. The table indicates that the t- t-calculated 1.90 is lower than the t-table, 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance showing No Significant difference between the two mean scores. The null hypothesis is accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd

HypothesisTwo:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                            

Table 5:

Summary of t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores Managers and Staff on the roles HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                              

  N x N SD  DfSig./LevelT-CalT-tabDec    
Managers153.24        85  0.77    83  0.05  1.87  1.96  Not Significant
Staff703.11

Table 5 shows the summary of the t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores of Managers and Staff on the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.  The table indicates that the t- t-calculated 1.87 is lower than the t-table, 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance showing No Significant difference between the two mean scores. The null hypothesis is accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.  

HypothesisThree: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the

shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Table 6:

Summary of t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores Managers and Staff on the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

  N x N SD  DfSig./LevelT-CalT-tabDec    
Managers152.11        85  0.82    83    0.05  1.88  1.96  Not Significant
Staff701.34  

Table 6 shows the summary of the t-test Analysis of the Significant Difference Between the mean scores of Managers and Staff on the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd. The table indicates that the t- t-calculated 1.88 is lower than the t-table, 1.96 at 0.05 level of significance showing No Significant difference between the two mean scores. The null hypothesis is accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Qualitative Analysis of the Data from the HRMEJSIG

Fifteen Managers were interviewed. Their responses were qualitatively analyzed as follows.

 Interview Question 1a: What recruitment /selection practices does Innoson Nigeria Ltd. employ for employee Affective Commitment?

Result:  They indicated that the recruitment /selection practices that Innoson Nigeria Ltd. employs for employee Affective Commitment include;

  • Recruiting /selecting staff by tracking the progress of applicants, and filtering their resumes based on specific qualifications and experience
  • Using Standardized interview questions that assess candidate’s skills and experience
  • Evaluating the cultural fitness of Innosson Nigeria Ltd to align with her values and work culture, makes employees feel committed to the organization.
  • Adopting the use of multiple stakeholders such as department heads, team members, and HR representatives during the recruitment /selection process gives a sense of confidence to the candidates of Innoson Nig. Ltd and
  • Recruiting /selecting staff through IM-IMAMADU-That is, adequate knowledge of the candidate by the employer makes the employees value the goals of Innoson Nig

Interview Question 1b: To what extent do the recruitment /selection practices impact employee Continuance Commitment at Innoson Nigeria Ltd.?

Result: They unanimously agreed that the recruitment /selection practices impact employee Continuance Commitment at Innoson Nigeria Ltd., to a Large Extent.

Interview Question 1c: To what extent do the recruitment /selection practices impact employee Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nigeria Ltd.?

Result: They unanimously agreed that the recruitment /selection practices impact employee Normative Commitment at Innoson Nigeria Ltd., to a Very Large Extent, especially the expatriates.

Interview Question 2a: Are the employees in Innoson committed to the company?

Result: They unanimously agreed that employees in Innoson are seriously Committed to the company as a result of the training and development and attractive remunerations.

Interview Question 2b: What roles does training and development play in employee Commitment at Innoson Nigeria Ltd.?

Result: The roles include;

  • Making them fit for any job
  • Makes them have confidence in performing skilled tasks
  • More organized without fear of being laid off due to the new developments in the company
  • Job autonomy to our employees prepared for the tasks ahead
  • Motivates employees of Innoson nig ltd
  • Specialized for the new tasks ahead
  • Enhances teamwork for Innoson nig ltd ensuring no fear of retrenchment or job loss
  • Enhances creative thinking and performance beyond the expectations of employees
  • Makes our employees more committed to their jobs,
  •  Helps our employees reduce burnout and stress

Interview Question 3a: What are the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that can negatively impact the Normative Commitment of employees and how does Innoson Nigeria Ltd. try to overcome these shortcomings?

Result: The shortcomings include;

  • Hiring fast to avoid byproducts results in a shortage of qualified candidates at Innoson Nig. Ltd. To overcome the shortcoming Innoson Nig. Ltd. gives employees training and development opportunities.
  • Innoson Nig Ltd HRM practices a very long hiring process, resulting in the best candidates finding another job. To overcome the shortcoming, the company employs the use of IM recruitment and selection methods, especially where specialized skills are concerned.
  • Innoson Nig Ltd HRM does not offer rewards in advance to keep skilled workers. To overcome the shortcoming, the company pays its employees handsomely.
  • Innoson Nig Ltd attracts highly skilled candidates that are expensive to maintain/ retain. To overcome the shortcoming Innoson Nig Ltd. remunerates them well and uses them only as contract staff for specific tasks.
  • Innoson Nig Ltd recruits and selects candidates through IMAMADU (IM), which is a recruitment method based on adequate knowledge of the candidate’s capabilities and abilities.

Summary of Findings:

RQ1: To what extent does the HRM influence employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited?

Finding 1:  HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigerian Limited to a Large Extent.

RQ 2:  What roles does the HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.?

Finding 2: The roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. include:

  • Giving training and development opportunities as soon as staff are employed, so they have no fear of losing their jobs;
  • Making the training and development programs relevant to employees’ jobs, making them have confidence in performing beyond expectation.
  • Giving training/ development to employees whenever they are transferred to a new department, making them well-prepared for the tasks ahead;
  • Through Training/ development, the HRM. Motivates employees of Innoson Nig Ltd. making them fit for any job;
  • Making employees more organized so they have no fear of being laid off due to the new developments in the company;
  • Enhancing creative thinking and performance beyond expectation;
  •  Helps employees mediate through crisis management, improves the overall performance of employees;
  • Helps employees reduce burnout and stress;
  •  Makes employees more committed to their jobs.

RQ. 3: What are the shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Finding 3: The shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd. Are:

  • Hiring fast to avoid byproducts results in a shortage of qualified candidates;
  • Innoson Nig Ltd HRM does not offer rewards in advance to keep skilled workers
  • Innoson Nig Ltd attracts highly skilled candidates that are expensive to maintain/ retain.

Innoson Nig. Ltd. Try to overcome the shortcomings by;

  • Giving employeestraining and development opportunities.
  •  Using IM recruitment and selection method, especially where specialized skills are concerned.
  •  Paying employees handsomely.
  • Innoson Nig. Ltd. recruits candidates that are expensive to maintain/ retain but pays them well and uses them only as contract staff for specific tasks.
  • Recruitments candidates through IMAMADU (IM), for skilled employees that do specific tasks.

HypothesisOne:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

Finding 4: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

HypothesisTwo:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                            

Finding 5: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                           

HypothesisThree: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the

shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

Finding 6: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the

shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

HypothesisOne:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

Finding 4: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

HypothesisTwo:  There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                            

Finding 5: There is no significant difference between Managers and Staff in the roles HRM plays in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.                           

DISCUSSION:

Extent the HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigeria Limited.

 It was found that the HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nigeria Limited to a large extent. This implies that employees at Innoson Nigeria Limited like their jobs, which are in line with the values and goals of the organization. This is not surprising because the training and development make the employees committed. This was collaborated with the test of the hypothesis found without significance implying thatThere is no significant difference between Managers and Staff on the extent HRM influences employee Affective Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. The test of hypothesis shows that both the managers and staff concur with this finding.

         This study is in line with the findings of Dunmade, Kadiri, Aun, Bello, and Yahaya, (2019) who found that HRM practices greatly impact employees’ commitment and ensure sustainable performance. It also supports Nwekpa, Offor, and Chukwuma’s (2021) study that outsourcing at Innoson Technical and Industrial Company, Emene, Enugu, Nigeria enhances organizational productivity. It also agrees with Ekwochi, Chinedu, and Okoh,that collective decision-making at Innoson Company Limited Emene enhances organizational commitment. Though the last two studies are not at the Innoson Nigeria Ltd. in Nnewi, it is still owned by the same person. This seems to confirm the findings that HRM influences employee Affective Commitment at Innoson Nig. Ltd. to a Large extent. The test of hypothesis indicates that both the managers and staff are in consonant with this finding.

Roles does the HRM play in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd.

        It was found that the HRM plays a lot of roles in influencing employee Continuance Commitment in Innoson Nig. Ltd. so as to prevent employees from fear of losing their jobs. To do the HRM has to give them training and development opportunities as soon as staff are employed and whenever they are retransferred to another department, making them well prepared for the tasks ahead. Thus, their creative thinking is enhanced for performance beyond expectation. With the lofty vision of Innoson Nig, Ltd. the HRM cannot afford to implications of staff turnover so they must do all things possible to retain their, including training and handsome remunerations.

This study is in line with the findings of Nwekpa, Offor, and Chukwuma (2021) and Ekwochi, Chinedu, and Okoh,showing that the HRM of Innoson companies does a lot to influence employee Continuance Commitment.

Shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees at Innoson Nig Ltd.

 Like all organizations, Innoson Nig Ltd. has shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees. Innoson Nig Ltd hires fast to avoid byproducts resulting in a shortage of qualified candidates but overcomes its negative effect by giving employeestraining and development opportunities. She also uses IM recruitment and selection methods, especially where specialized skills are concerned, and pays her employees handsomely. Due to the nature of production at times, required staff are expensive to maintain/ retain however they are, used only as contract staff for specific tasks, so that that released soon after the needed task is performed. This study supports Nwekpa, Offor, and Chukwuma (2021) that even outsourcing for Innoson Technical and Industrial Company, Emene, enhances organizational productivity.  It is also in line with Chukwuma’s (2015) HRM challenges of Innoson Nigeria Limited under a globalized economy.

CONCLUSION:

 HRM practices especially training and development have a lot of impact on employee Commitment in organizations, especially in Innoson Nigeria Limited, which will help it achieve its lofty vision.

Implications of the study:  The findings of this study imply that;

  1. HRM practices impact largely on employee Affective Commitment in organizations.
  2. HRM performs special roles in training and development which significantly influence employee Continuance Commitment.
  3. Shortcomings in recruitment/ selection practices that negatively impact on Normative Commitment of employees can be identified and overcome.
  4. Innoson Nigeria Limited’s HRM has a lot of positive impact on the employees which can help it achieve its objectives.
  5. Organizations should therefore prioritize HRM practices especially in training and development to enhance employee performance.

Recommendations: Based on the findings it was recommended that:

  1. Organizations should therefore prioritize HRM practices, especially in training and development to enhance employee performance.
  2. Innoson Nigeria Limited should leverage this study to improve its Training and development programmes to include HRM staff, especially for the globalized world, to enable her to retain her well-qualified, specialized, and skilled staff.
  3. Innoson Nigeria Limited HRM should encourage outsourcing to reduce cost and hiring fast to avoid byproduct results leading to a shortage of qualified candidates.
  4. Innoson Nig Ltd should employ the use of IMMAMADU (IM)  recruitment practice to attract highly skilled candidates that will not be expensive to maintain/ retain.

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