Assessment of Organizational Commitment on the Performance of Academic Staff in Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of organizational commitment on the performance of academic staff in Umaru Musa Yar'adua University (UMYU), Katsina State. Drawing upon the three-component model of organizational commitment—affective, continuance, and normative—the research aimed to determine the extent to which each dimension influences academic staff performance. A survey approach was adopted, and data were collected from 129 academic staff at UMYU using a structured questionnaire. Multiple Regression analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive effect of all thethree dimensions of organizational commitment on the performance of academic staff. Specifically, affective commitment emerged as the strongest predictor, indicating that emotional attachment and identification with UMYU significantly enhance staff performance. Continuance commitment, reflecting the perceived costs of leaving, and normative commitment, stemming from a sense of moral obligation, also demonstrated significant positive effect on performance of academic staff, albeit to a lesser extent than affective commitment. The study concludes that fostering a strong sense of emotional connection, alongside acknowledging the practical and moral ties, is crucial for optimizing academic staff performance at UMYU. The study recommended among others that, Umaru Musa Yaradua University should implement initiatives that strengthen interpersonal relationships and a sense of "family" among staff. This could include faculty social events, collaborative projects, mentorship programs, and clear communication channels that make staff feel valued and heard.