Modeling the mediating effect of employee engagement on the link between human capital development and job performance of academic staff of public universities in Edo state, Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to model the mediating effect of employee engagement on the link between human capital development and job performance of academic staff of public universities in Edo State. It sought to determine the link between human capital development practices (such as employee empowerment, working conditions, and reward)  and the job performance  of academic staff and  ascertain the mediating effect of employee engagement on the link  between human capital development and the job performance of academic staff of public universities in Edo State. A survey research design was employed in the study. The study’s population comprised 2623 academic staff of selected public Universities in Edo State.  The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using hierarchical regression analysis through SPSS version 25. It was found that human capital development (such as employee empowerment, working conditions, and rewards) significantly impacted job performance. Furthermore, employee engagement fully mediated the link between human capital development and job performance.  It was concluded that the impact of human capital development on job performance is fully channeled through employee engagement hence when academic staff are provided with adequate opportunities for skill development, improved working conditions as well as rewards, their engagement with their work will enhance their job performance. It was further recommended that the institutions should focus on initiatives that foster employee engagement. They include the creation of favourable working conditions that provide development opportunities, recognition of deserving employees, and the promotion of collaborative efforts among colleagues.