Strategic Human Resource Management Practices and Performance In Nigerian Public Universities

Abstract

In recent times, the declining standard in Nigerian universities has generated much concern and the need to adopt strategic approach in managing the universities’ human resources, as a way of improving performance and raising the standard, has become imperative. The objective of this paper was to examine factors that influence the adoption of SHRM practices in public universities in Nigeria and also to evaluate the impact of SHRM practices on the performance of the universities. 220 respondents from eight (8) public universities were surveyed and both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were applied to analyse the generated data and test the hypothesis of the study. Findings revealed that the adoption of SHRM practices were influenced by factors such as funding of the universities, governing council decisions, degree of awareness of universities’ mission and vision by staff especially the HR department, and knowledge of the benefits of SHRM practices.  Findings also revealed that the universities applying SHRM practices have benefited by way of attracting more research grants, increased scholarly publications, more international collaborations, and awards of excellence for research breakthroughs. The study recommended the adoption of the strategic approach to HR management in Nigerian universities to foster improved performance aimed at raising the declining standard.

Keywords: Strategic Human Resource Management Practices, Performance, Public Universities, Nigeria