CAREER PATHING AND EMPLOYEE ADAPTIVE PERFORMANCE IN AIRLINE OPERATORS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between career pathing and employee adaptive performance in airline operators in Rivers State, with emphasis on learning and responsiveness. The research was motivated by challenges of inadequate career development structures in the Nigerian aviation sector, which undermine employee adaptability and organizational competitiveness. A correlational survey design was employed, with a population of 412 employees across four airline operators in Rivers State. A sample size of 202 was selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using a structured and validated questionnaire, while reliability was confirmed with Cronbach Alpha values above 0.70. Analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that career pathing significantly and positively influences both learning and responsiveness among employees. The study concluded that structured career development is a vital organizational resource for fostering adaptability. It recommended that airline operators institutionalize transparent career progression systems and strengthen mentoring and training programs to enhance employee adaptability and responsiveness.