PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND WORKFORCE STABILITY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between performance appraisal and workforce stability of telecommunication companies in Rivers State. The main aim was to determine goal setting, and feedback as they relate to job satisfaction and commitment of employees. The research utilised the cross-section approach of study, which allowed collecting data at one point and provide empirical data. The population used was 1,100 employees and managerial staff of the four major telecommunication operators, namely, Mtn, GLO, Airtel, and 9mobile Nigeria, which are located in Port Harcourt. The determination of sample size was based on either formula of Taro Yamane which led to the determination of 293 respondents; proportional allocation was done according to the method established by Bowley and structured questionsnaires were distributed among the firms. The instrument was also tested in terms of face and content validity with reliability of 0.8 quantified using Cronbach alpha. The testing of the hypothesis was done using Spearman Rank-Order Correlation. The analysis was done using SPSS version 23. The findings also revealed that performance appraisal systems had a significant impact on the stability of the workforce, whereas goal setting, unceasing feedback, and reward systems had a positive impact on job satisfaction and commitment. To conclude, the research proved that strong appraisal systems are capable of increasing staff motivation and retention in the telecommunication firms. The authors, therefore, suggest that the management should adopt open appraisal procedures, maintain transparent feedback mechanisms, and construction of performance-based incentive plans that are based on the organisational performance indicators to promote stability among the workforce.