EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IN NIGERIA: A COMMERCIAL BANK CASE STUDY

Organizations are in need of initiatives to improve their level of performance over their competitors. Theoretically, there is a significant effect on organizational performance by engaging employees. The purpose of this case study research is to examine the substantiation of such impact of employee engagement on organizational performance.

This research explores the antecedent, and key drivers of employee engagement linking it with organizational performance. Hence the research was based on grounded theory with an approach of a subjectivist, where social circumstances are produced from the insights and resulting actions of social actors. It is a qualitative research with interpretive epistemology. Data was gathered with questionnaires and telephone interview. Forty one bank employees completed the questionnaires where 4 of the respondents were managers and 37 respondents were non-managers. In addition, interviews were conducted with a manager and non-manager.

The research highlights the link between social context and the key drivers of employee engagement with the level of organizational performance in the bank. Results show the variable perceptions of the employees. Although there is no set employee engagement initiative proven to work for all organizations, however studies have shown it is worth considering for improved organizational performance. Additionally, this case study research provides recommendations for implementing employee engagement initiatives and a platform for further research.