POLITICAL PATRONAGE AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS IN NIGERA (A STUDY OF ABIA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ABA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of political patronage on personnel management in public organizations in Nigeria, with a focused case study of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba. Political patronage, often characterized by favoritism, godfatherism, and non-merit-based appointments, has become a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s public sector.
The research adopts a descriptive survey design, using both primary and secondary data. Questionnaires and interviews were administered to staff members across various departments of the institution. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and thematic analysis.
Findings reveal that political patronage significantly affects recruitment, promotion, discipline, and overall organizational efficiency. It undermines meritocracy, reduces staff morale, and contributes to inefficiency in service delivery. The study concludes that unless strong institutional frameworks are enforced, political interference will continue to weaken personnel management systems in public organizations.
The research recommends strict adherence to merit-based recruitment, institutional autonomy, and policy reforms aimed at reducing political interference in administrative processes.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.