EFFECTS OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

This study examined human resources management practices and employees’ productivity in local governments in Southwestern Nigeria. The study was necessitated by the persistent challenge of low employee productivity and inefficiencies in local government administration, despite the presence of various human resource management practices. The study aims to evaluate the effects of the factors influencing human resource management practices on employee productivity. A descriptive survey research design was adopted involving the population of 376 senior officers and stakeholders in selected local governments in Ogun, Osun, and Ondo States, and a census approach was used, with all the 376 copies of questionnaire administered. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The results revealed that employee resistance to change emerged as the most impactful factor influencing employee productivity with a strong significant effect (β = 0.332, p = 0.001), followed by management mistakes (β = 0.248, p = 0.004), while lack of reward and recognition had a significant negative effect (β = -0.157, p = 0.014). In contrast, inadequate planning was not significant (β = 0.125, p = 0.140). The study concludes that human resource management practices significantly enhance employee productivity in local governments. Thus, the study recommends among others that local governments should prioritise strengthening performance management systems and employee engagement strategies, as these constructs exhibited the most significant and impactful effects on employee productivity.