Project – Effect of Recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service.

ABSTRACT

The study examined the effect of Recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service. A study of Lagos State Civil Service Commission (LSCSC). Four research objectives were adopted for the study namely:  to examine the effectiveness of recruitment and selection procedures in the public service sector in Lagos; to identify the weaknesses of the existing recruitment and selection processes in the public service sector; to examine the correlation between the recruitment and selection procedures and the efficiency of the public service in Lagos; and to find out the impact of recruitment and selection procedures on the overall efficiency of the public service. The researcher used a total number of one hundred (100) workers of Lagos State Civil Service Commission (LSCSC). Simple random sampling was adopted for the study. The research hypotheses stated earlier was tested using Chi-Square Statistics. The study recommended that the Lagos State public service sector should invest in training and development programs for its recruitment and selection personnel. The study concluded that recruitment and selection procedures has significant effect in the public service sector in Lagos State

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Hello! Recruitment and selection procedures are critical aspects of human resource management that significantly impact the efficiency of public service. In Lagos, the public service sector has been under scrutiny for its recruitment and selection procedures, with many arguing that these processes directly affect the efficiency of the sector (Adebayo, 2001). Adebayo’s study found that the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service were often marred by nepotism and favoritism, leading to the employment of less competent individuals. This, in turn, negatively impacts the efficiency of the public service.

The recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service have also been criticized for their lack of transparency (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). The authors argue that the lack of transparency in these procedures often leads to the recruitment of individuals who lack the necessary skills and qualifications. This lack of transparency not only undermines the credibility of the public service but also significantly reduces its efficiency.

Furthermore, the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service have been found to be highly bureaucratic (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). This bureaucracy often results in lengthy and cumbersome procedures that delay the recruitment and selection process. This delay not only demotivates potential candidates but also hampers the efficiency of the public service.

However, it is important to note that there have been efforts to reform the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service. For instance, the Lagos State Government has introduced merit-based recruitment and selection procedures to enhance the efficiency of the public service (Adebayo, 2001). This move has been lauded as a step in the right direction towards improving the efficiency of the public service.

Despite these efforts, there is still a need for further reforms in the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service. Scholars such as Okeke-Uzodike & Subban (2018) argue that these reforms should aim at eliminating nepotism and favoritism, enhancing transparency, and reducing bureaucracy in the recruitment and selection procedures.

In conclusion, the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service significantly affect its efficiency. While there have been efforts to reform these procedures, there is still a need for further reforms to enhance the efficiency of the public service. Future research should focus on identifying the specific areas that need reform and proposing practical solutions to address these issues.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of inefficient public service in Lagos has been a subject of concern for many years. The inefficiency is often attributed to various factors, one of which is the recruitment and selection procedures. The recruitment and selection process is a critical aspect of human resource management that significantly impacts the efficiency of any organization, including the public service (Armstrong & Taylor, 2014).

In Lagos, the public service sector seems to be plagued with issues of inefficiency, which many believe are linked to the recruitment and selection procedures. There is a perception that these procedures are not transparent and merit-based, leading to the recruitment of unqualified personnel (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). This, in turn, affects the quality of service delivery in the public sector.

Furthermore, the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service have been criticized for being overly bureaucratic and time-consuming (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). This not only delays the hiring of needed personnel but also discourages potential candidates, thereby limiting the pool of talent available to the public service.

Moreover, there is a lack of adequate training and development programs for newly recruited personnel, which further exacerbates the problem of inefficiency (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). Without proper training, new recruits are unable to perform their duties effectively, leading to poor service delivery.

The problem is further compounded by the lack of a clear and comprehensive recruitment and selection policy in the public service sector in Lagos (Okeke-Uzodike & Subban, 2018). This lack of policy leads to inconsistencies and irregularities in the recruitment and selection process, further undermining the efficiency of the public service.

In conclusion, the recruitment and selection procedures in Lagos’s public service have a significant impact on its efficiency. There is a need for a comprehensive review of these procedures to address the issues of transparency, bureaucracy, training, and policy inconsistencies. Only then can the public service in Lagos improve its efficiency and deliver quality services to the public.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Effect of Recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the effectiveness of recruitment and selection procedures in the public service sector in Lagos.
2. To identify the weaknesses of the existing recruitment and selection processes in the public service sector.
3. To examine the correlation between the recruitment and selection procedures and the efficiency of the public service in Lagos.
4. To find out the impact of recruitment and selection procedures on the overall efficiency of the public service.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How effective are the recruitment and selection procedures in the public service sector in Lagos?
2. What are the weaknesses of the existing recruitment and selection processes in the public service sector?
3. Is there a correlation between the recruitment and selection procedures and the efficiency of the public service in Lagos?
4. What is the impact of recruitment and selection procedures on the overall efficiency of the public service?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Recruitment and selection procedures has no significant effect in the public service sector in Lagos State.

H1: Recruitment and selection procedures has significant effect in the public service sector in Lagos State

• Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on the impact of recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service, specifically within the context of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission (LSCSC). The public service sector plays a crucial role in the functioning of any society, and its efficiency is largely dependent on the quality of its workforce. Therefore, understanding the effectiveness of the recruitment and selection procedures is of paramount importance.

The study could provide valuable insights into the current recruitment and selection procedures of the LSCSC. By examining these procedures, the study could identify potential weaknesses and areas for improvement. This could lead to the development of more effective strategies for recruiting and selecting public service employees, which could in turn enhance the overall efficiency of the public service sector in Lagos.

Furthermore, the study could contribute to the existing body of knowledge on human resource management in the public sector. It could provide empirical evidence on the correlation between recruitment and selection procedures and the efficiency of public service. This could be beneficial for scholars and practitioners in the field, as it could inform future research and practice.

The findings of this study could also have practical implications for policy-making. If the study finds that certain recruitment and selection procedures are more effective in enhancing the efficiency of the public service, these procedures could be adopted or adapted by other public service commissions, not only in Lagos but also in other regions or countries.

Moreover, the study could have a positive impact on the employees of the public service sector. By improving the recruitment and selection procedures, the LSCSC could attract and retain high-quality employees, which could lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. This could ultimately contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Lagos.

The significance of this study is multifaceted. It could contribute to academic knowledge, inform policy-making, enhance the efficiency of the public service sector, and improve the working conditions of public service employees. Therefore, it is hoped that this study will be a valuable addition to the field of public service human resource management.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of Recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service. A study of Lagos State Civil Service Commission (LSCSC).

• Operational Definition of Terms

1. Effect: This refers to the result or outcome of a particular process or event. In this context, it refers to the outcome or impact of recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service.
2. Recruitment: This is the process of identifying, attracting, interviewing, selecting, hiring and onboarding individuals for a job role. It involves finding potential candidates and encouraging them to apply for vacancies within an organization.
3. Selection Procedures: These are the methods used by an organization to decide which of the applicants is best suited for a particular job role. It may involve various stages such as screening, interviewing, testing, and background checks.
4. Efficiency: In the context of public service, efficiency refers to the ability to deliver services in the most productive and cost-effective way. It involves minimizing waste, reducing costs, and improving speed and quality of service delivery.
5. Public Service: This refers to services provided by government to its citizens, either directly or by financing provision of services. These services include things like education, health care, and law enforcement.
6. Lagos State Civil Service Commission (LSCSC): This is a government body in Lagos, Nigeria, responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of civil servants. It ensures that the civil service is managed in accordance with laid down rules and regulations.

Project – Effect of Recruitment and selection procedures on the efficiency of the public service.