Effectiveness of human resource policies and challenges in managing office politics in Nigeria

Authors

  • Obinna Solomon Eboh Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
  • Ekwutosi Theresa Ezeanolue Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
  • Chinelo Patience Ohanyere Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
  • Victor Benjamine Anaekwe Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62672/hucse.v2i2.29

Keywords:

Employee relations, Human resource policies, Nigeria, Office politics , Organizational management

Abstract

The study employed a survey research design to gather quantitative and qualitative data from employees of a Bottling Company in Nigerian on the impact of personnel resource management on office politics. The population comprised over 3,000 staff across departments, with focus on Lagos and Ogun plants. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 150 was determined, while 80 conveniently accessible participants completed structured questionnaires. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square in SPSS (v23). Instrument validity was confirmed through expert review, and reliability (r = 0.68) indicated consistency. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Findings revealed that human resource policies were effective in managing office politics, as all mean scores exceeded (2.50). Transparency in decision-making (2.71), employee engagement (2.60), fair appraisal systems (2.52), conflict resolution (2.80), and training programs (2.69) were all accepted as effective measures. Challenges identified included resistance from top management (2.60), limited resources (2.62), cultural and hierarchical barriers (2.70), distrust in HR processes (2.72), and inconsistent policy application (2.59). The Chi-square result (χ² = 5.079, p = 0.046) indicated a significant relationship between HR management practices and the management of office politics in the bottling company. The study concluded that effective HR policies enhance workplace fairness and cohesion, while challenges must be strategically addressed to strengthen organizational harmony.

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Published

2026-01-03

How to Cite

Eboh, O. S., Ezeanolue, E. T., Ohanyere, C. P., & Anaekwe, V. B. (2026). Effectiveness of human resource policies and challenges in managing office politics in Nigeria. Journal of Human, Culture, Society, and Education, 2(2), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.62672/hucse.v2i2.29

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