Integrity as a function of Commitment of employees in Nigeria organisations: The case of Rivers State in the Repositioning of the Nigerian Economy.

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS; Dr. Bariere Thomas

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS Kenule Beesor Saro Polytechnic, P.m.b 20, Bori.
Dr. Bariere Thomas Rivers state University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, port Harcourt

Keywords: Integrity, Affective Commitment, Continuance Commitment, Normative Commitment, Manufacturing Companies, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper explains the relationship between integrity as a function of commitment of employees in Nigeria organisations in Rivers State. The study was motivated by the increasing concern over declining organizational values, ethical lapses, and their implications for employee commitment and retention in Nigerian organizations. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to ninety-three (93) top, middle, and lower-level managers across selected manufacturing firms. The data were analysed using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of SPSS version 27. Findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between integrity and affective commitment, indicating that employees are more emotionally attached and loyal to organizations perceived as transparent and ethically upright. Similarly, the results showed a positive and significant relationship between integrity and continuance commitment, suggesting that integrity practices influence employees’ willingness to remain in the organization due to trust and a sense of security. Furthermore, a significant relationship was also found between integrity and normative commitment, underscoring the fact that when organizations demonstrate high levels of integrity, employees feel a moral obligation to remain committed. The study concludes that integrity is a crucial driver of organizational commitment in Nigerian manufacturing firms. It recommends that organizations institutionalize integrity through ethical leadership, transparent communication, and consistent adherence to professional standards. By doing so, firms will not only foster higher levels of employee commitment but also enhance organizational performance and sustainability.

Author Biographies

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS, Kenule Beesor Saro Polytechnic, P.m.b 20, Bori.

Department of Business Administration and management,

Dr. Bariere Thomas, Rivers state University Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, port Harcourt

Department of Business Education,

Faculty of Education,

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