PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF JOB PERFORMANCE AMONG NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE PERSONNEL, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Psychological factors, Job performance, Police personnel, Kwara stateAbstract
This study examined psychological factors as predictors of job performance among Nigerian Police Force Personnel in Kwara State, Nigeria. Six research objectives were stated, and six corresponding hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05. Descriptive correlational research design was adopted. From a population of 3,953 police personnel, a sample size of 364 was determined using Slovin’s formula. A multistage procedure was used to select 30 police formations from the three senatorial zone, and convenience sampling technique was adopted to administer the research instrument. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to test the predictive relationships, while regression analysis was used to determine the joint and relative contributions of independent variables to the prediction of dependent variable. Findings revealed a significant relationship between the independent variables and job performance. Locus of control had the highest relative prediction (β = 0.58), followed by assertiveness skills (β = 0.48), self-efficacy showed the lowest positive contribution (β = 0.06). whereas emotional intelligence made a significant negative contribution (β = - 0.05). Also, multicollinearity analysis showed substantial overlap between assertiveness skill and self-efficacy. Consistent with Campbell’s theory of job performance, the study revealed a predictive relationship between psychological variables and job performance. The study recommended the integration of structured assertiveness training into in-service programmes to promote responsive and efficient job performance among police personnel particularly in Kwara State, Nigeria.
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