CAREER GROWTH AND EMPLOYEE DEDICATION IN THE BAYELSA STATE CIVIL SERVICE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Career Growth and Employee Dedication of the Bayelsa State Civil Service. The study identified 4,413 civil servants between Grade Level 8 and Grade Level 14. A sample of 367 representatives was drawn using Yamene’s (1967) formular. Data retrieved from 281 valid copies of the questionnaire were analyzed to generate descriptive outputs, with the aid of the International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28.0.1. Three hypotheses were tested using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. All dimensions of Career Growth (career goal progress, professional ability development and organisational rewards) were found to have positive and significant relationship with dedication. The study concluded that higher levels of career goal progress, professional ability development and organisational rewards are associated with higher levels of dedication. The study recommends that government should: (i) enable workers attend more developmental programs, and carry out developmental assignments; coached workers on how to set and attain career goals for specific positions, (ii) create more opportunities for workers to develop new professional skills, knowledge and competencies, and (iii) review reward system to re-introduce incentive schemes such as transportation allowance, meal subsidy, utility allowance, and non-financial incentives such as compliments, public recognition, and awards. KEYWORDS: Career Growth, career goal progress, professional ability development, and organisational rewards growth, dedication