Effects of Selected Human Resource (HR) Practices on Nigerian Polytechnics Lecturers’ Performances

Abstract

Higher Education (HE) institutions in developing countries have become an area of attention to scholars in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM), particularly, African countries. Polytechnics are one of the higher education institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria, yet, they are not incorporated by scholars in their studies on HEIs, particularly, in Nigeria. This paper presents a study on how polytechnics lecturers perceive how certain Human Resource (HR) practices as recognized by Boselie et al (2005) found to be well observed within a Nigerian Polytechnic impact on their performances and then linking them to lecturer competencies recognized by Robbins et al (2007) and Molefe (2010). Therefore, the research inquires among others essentially; connection between HR practices and perceived performances of lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics. The study employed qualitative research methods in its investigation, engaging semi structured interviews, and then, thematic analysis to analyze data collected. The study revealed that, all the HR practices investigated are well observed in the institution and have impact on the performances of lecturers. Finally, it was established while lecturers wholly embraced the HR practices, they are critical of the reward systems and employees’ appraisal practices and therefore need to be enhanced to further improve performances. The main conclusions drawn from this study are; apart from enhancing the some HR practices identified, students should be involved to a certain extent, in appraising lecturers’ proficiencies, and also, create an atmosphere for better studentlecturer relations for the attainment of overall organizational objectives.