Title: Staff Development And Employee Commitment Of Food Companies In Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Igbafe Oluseye Omolade and B. Chima Onuoha
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 114-121
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the influence of staff development on employee commitment in selected food companies in Rivers State, Nigeria. Grounded in human capital theory, the research explores how strategic human resource development practices affect employees' decision to remain with their organizations and their sense of moral obligation to do so. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 278 employees across multiple food firms and analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. Findings reveal a significant positive relationship between training and both continuance (rho = 0.621, p < 0.05) and normative commitment (rho = 0.584, p < 0.05), indicating that structured training programs enhance employees' perceived cost of leaving and foster loyalty through value alignment. Similarly, coaching showed strong correlations with continuance (rho = 0.648, p < 0.05) and normative commitment (rho = 0.603, p < 0.05), suggesting that personalized guidance and mentoring deepen employees' emotional and ethical ties to the organization. The study concludes that targeted training and coaching interventions are essential for building a committed workforce in the food sector. It recommends that food companies should invest in specialized and role-specific training programs that enhance employees' technical competencies and certifications.