Effect of Training on Employee Engagement of Small and Medium Enterprises in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of training on employee engagement among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Niger State, Nigeria. Guided by the Human Capital Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the research employed a survey design to assess the relationship between training and employee engagement. Adopting a survey research design, the study collected primary data using structured questionnaire administered to 435 randomly selected owners and managers of SMEs in Niger State. The data were analysed using regression techniques to determine the statistical significance of training on employee engagement. Findings
revealed a strong positive relationship between training and employee engagement, with training accounting for 52.2% of the variance in engagement levels. The results revealed that training initiatives such as regular participation, employee improvement, active engagement, task enhancement, and motivation significantly influence engagement outcomes. The study concludes that continuous and targeted training enhances employees’ engagement in SMEs. It recommends that SMEs owners and managers should adopt consistent, technology-driven, and competitive training practices to sustain employee engagement and organisational growth.