STRATEGIC HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between strategic human capital development and business growth of manufacturing firms in Rivers State. Three objectives and three corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The survey designed used for the study was a correlational survey design with a population of 150 staff used for the study manufacturing firms in Rivers State. The study adopted a census sampling technique to ascertain a sample size which ensures that all respondents were captured. A self-administered structured questionnaire titled “Strategic Human Capital Development and Business Growth (SHCDBGQ)” was used to elicit data. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.79 was ascertained. PPMC (person product moment correlation) was used to test hypotheses on SPSS version 25.  There is a significant relationship between green product design and resource efficiency of manufacturing firms in Rivers State. There is a significant relationship between the dimensions of strategic human capital development and measures of business growth of manufacturing firms in Rivers State. The study recommended that manufacturing firms should develop and maintain a formal succession planning framework that identifies, prepares, and retains future leaders to ensure business continuity and operational efficiency, thereby sustaining long-term profitability.