Perceived Influence of Work-Related Stress and Human Resource Management Practices on Lecturers’ job Productivity in Universities in Kwara State

Abstract

Work-related stress is a workplace condition that negatively affects an individual's performance and the overall well-being of their body and mind. This study examined the Perceived Influence of Work-Related Stress and Human Resource Management Practices on Lecturers' Job Productivity in Universities in Kwara State. The objective was to determine the influence of work-related stress and human resource management practices on lecturers’ job productivity. To facilitate the conduct of the study, two specific purposes and two research questions were raised; while two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 2,494 lecturers in all the nine universities in Kwara State and proportionate sampling technique was used to select the sample. The sample for the study comprised 333 teachers selected using the Research advisor. A 20-item questionnaire titled “Work-related Stress, Human Resource Management Practices and Lecturers’ Job Productivity Questionnaire (WSHRMPLJPQ) with reliability coefficient 0.91. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was used for the hypotheses at 0.05 of level significance. The findings of the study revealed that work-related Stress and human resource management practices influenced lecturers' job productivity (Workload Stress (t = 1.820; df = 314; P > 0.05), Remuneration (t = 1.199; df = 314; P = 0.05). Findings also showed that teaching many courses in a semester, supervising many undergraduate projects and postgraduate theses, lecturers' involvement in community services and administrative duties have negative influence on both male and female lecturers. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the management of universities in Kwara State should employ more hands, if necessary, on a part-time basis, to reduce the work pressure on lecturers; while their remuneration packages should be properly attended to, in order to enhance dedication and enhance productivity.