PUBLIC SERVICE PERFORMANCE IN DYSFUNCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of public service workers in a dysfunctional environment in Delta State, Nigeria, using a descriptive survey research design. The study aimed to explore the promotion processes, factors affecting public service performance, policies promoting effective service delivery, and the challenges faced by public servants in a dysfunctional setting. A sample of 195 public servants was selected, and data was collected using self-structured questionnaires and interviews. The research used mean scores to analyze the responses to the research questions and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to test three hypotheses. The study reveals that the promotion process significantly influences worker performance, with a strong positive correlation between merit-based promotions and employee motivation. It also highlights that factors such as poor remuneration, corruption, inadequate training, and political interference negatively impact public service performance. Furthermore, policies focusing on merit-based recruitment, anti-corruption strategies, and capacity-building programs were found to be crucial for improving public service delivery. Key challenges, including corruption, political instability, low wages, poor working conditions, and insufficient training, were identified as major barriers to effective service delivery in Delta State. The findings emphasize the need for reforms to address these challenges, with recommendations including the implementation of merit-based promotion systems, improved remuneration and working conditions, stronger anti-corruption measures, enhanced training and development programs, and the establishment of robust accountability and oversight mechanisms. These changes are essential for enhancing public service performance and achieving efficient service delivery in Delta State.