Effect of Reskilling and Upskilling Practices on Employee Performance in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria
Keywords:
Keywords: Reskilling, upskilling, technical and digital skills development, continuous learning, cross-functional training, employee performance, State-Owned Enterprises.Abstract
This study examined the effect of reskilling and upskilling practices on employee performance in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on technical and digital skills development, continuous learning and professional development, and cross-functional training. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory and the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a target population of 1,000 employees drawn from selected State-Owned Enterprises across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A sample of 300 respondents was selected, while 294 valid questionnaires were retrieved and used for analysis. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyse the data and test the research hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The study examined the extent to which technical and digital skills development enhanced employees' competence and efficiency, continuous learning and professional development improved their knowledge and adaptability, and cross-functional training strengthened their versatility and ability to perform different responsibilities. The study emphasized the importance of aligning workforce development programmes with employees' actual skill requirements and organizational objectives. It concluded that effective reskilling and upskilling practices are essential strategies for strengthening employee performance and improving service delivery in Nigerian State-Owned Enterprises. The study recommended that management of SOEs institutionalize regular technical and digital skills training, promote continuous professional development, and implement structured cross-functional training programmes to improve employees' productivity, adaptability and overall effectiveness.
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