VARIATIONS AND PREDICTORS OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN THE NIGERIAN PRISONS SERVICE, BAYELSA STATE COMMAND

Abstract

The study employed a cross-sectional design to examine the level of and selected predictors of employee engagement among 198 employees of the Nigerian Prison Service, Bayelsa State Command. Precisely four extrinsic and intrinsic organisational, motivational factors were considered – benefits, career development, autonomy, and recognition. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and employee engagement components. Then, the data were statistically analyzed using SPSS V. 20.0. T-tests and ANOVA results indicated a modest level of employee engagement in this organisation as well as significant variations in the intensity of engagement by individual employee characteristics (age, sex, job tenure, and income). Using multiple regression analysis, three factors, namely, benefits, career development, and recognition, emerged as significant predictors of employee engagement. A key finding of this study suggests that employee age plays a pertinent role in determining motivational factors driving employee engagement. Implications of study findings for research and practice were discussed to set the direction for future research.