Measuring work engagement strategies and employees’ behavioural outcomes in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

Institutions of higher learning in the modern and highly competitive academic environment compete to drive work engagement and explore possible means by which employees can develop and exhibit right attitudes and disposition to work. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of work engagement strategies on employees’ behavioural outcomes. Few studies analysed how work engagement strategies could help in driving standard work behaviour particularly in higher institutions. In an attempt to bridge this gap, this study was carried out using descriptive research method and Structural Equation Model (AMOS 22) for the analysis of four hundred and forty-one (441) valid questionnaire which were completed by the faculty members of the six selected private universities in Nigeria using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Factor model which shows high-reliability and good fit was generated, while construct validity was provided through convergent and discriminant analyses. The findings indicate that career opportunities, recognition of efforts, institution’s reputation, investment in employees and fun at work have positive influence on job satisfaction, job involvement and employees’ loyalty. This study contributes to the scientific knowledge in the area of Strategic Human Resources Management and the insight discovered from the study would help the management of institutions of higher learning to improve their employees’ level of engagement as well as their behavioural outcomes.