STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF SERVICE-ORIENTED SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The research investigated the connection between Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) practices and the performance of service-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State. Primary data were gathered through a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of 348 SMEs registered with the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs) in the region. The hypotheses were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation analysis. The results indicated that SHRM practices, including training, recruitment, workforce planning, and employee-employer relations, all exhibited a positive and significant correlation with the performance of service-oriented SMEs in Edo State. This was supported by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and the corresponding p-values. Specifically, recruitment, workforce planning, and employee-employer relations demonstrated a positive and significant relationship with the performance of these enterprises. The study concluded that service-oriented SMEs in Edo State should significantly implement SHRM