THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL REWARD SYSTEM ON EMPLOYEES’ COMMITMENT IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES - A STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

Abstract

This research work sought to find out the effect of financial rewards on the commitment of employees in Nigerian Public Universities, in addition to the relationship existing between non-financial rewards and employees’ commitment in Nigerian Public Universities. It also sought to know if career developmental opportunities impact on the commitment of staff in Nigerian Public Universities. The University of Lagos was chosen for the study for convenience in gathering data. Data was gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to 170 respondents comprising of 90 academic staff and 80 non-academic staff, drawn from 8 faculties on the Main Campus, and analysed using regression analysis and ANOVA. The findings show that financial rewards affect the commitment of staff. Also, a positive relationship exists between non-financial rewards and employees’ commitment. Career development opportunities impact the commitment of staff in the University. The study concludes that both financial and non-financial rewards complement each other when adequately administered in the right mix in attaining employee commitment in Nigerian public universities. It was recommended that management should make deliberate efforts to review, revaluate and re-examine financial reward practices and packages of their staff. Efforts should also be made to identify the non-financial needs of its staff and tailor rewards to satisfy these. Efforts should also be made to reformulate and redirect the career developmental programs to positively benefit their staff for greater commitment and better service deliveries.