Impact of training and reward on employee performance in Enugu state civil service, 2010-2019

Abstract

The deterioration of employee performance in the public sector has proved to be a major issue especially in the Enugu State Civil Service. These factors are all contributory such that lack of training and reward systems, among others, create an environment of the least possible productivity, demotivation, and inefficiency in service delivery. This paper explores the Enugu State Civil Services, its historical development since it started as a colonial coal-mining centre to a modern administrative centre. The state is located in a favourable climate in southeastern Nigeria and it has an agrarian economy. The civil service is founded on the colonial administration and is governed by a statutory commission that deals with personnel management. The study used a descriptive design with a population of about 10, 100 employees where 385 respondents were sampled via structured interviews and secondary data thus providing reliability and validity. The results support the hypothesis that sufficient training and reward systems increase employee performance in the Enugu State civil service. Training increases knowledge, skills and competence among workers and it is necessary to realize organizational goals in an ever-changing work environment. However, the common pitfalls are ineffective training design, insufficient recognition and lack of implementation. On the same note, good reward systems (not only monetary but also non-monetary) would uplift motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity. It has been shown in an empirical study that equitable and regular rewards reinforce performance but incompetent pay wears down morale. The research paper concludes that long-term and on-going training and a fair and encouraging reward system are essential in improving staff work performance in the Enugu State Civil Service. Suggestions include the implementation of organised training courses and reward policies that are clearly outlined to enhance effectiveness and service provision.