Perceived Autonomy and Job Commitment among Senior Staff of Local Government Councils in Delta State

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived autonomy and job commitment among Senior Staff of Local Government Councils in Delta State. Three research questions were raised and hypothesized. The correlational research design was employed in this study. The population for the study comprised 11,577 senior staff in the 25 local government councils in Delta State. The sample consisted of 7500 using the Multistage Sampling Technique of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used was the questionnaire Perceived Autonomy and Job Commitment Scales. The questionnaire was validated by the researcher’s supervisors, two experts in Guidance and Counselling and two other experts in Measurement and Evaluation, the reliability of the test was determined using Cronbach alpha reliability method and coefficient values of 0.65 and 0.73 were obtained. The instrument was administered with aid of five research assistants. Correlation and coefficient of determination was used to answer the research questions while the null hypotheses were tested using linear Regression Statistics at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between perceived autonomy and job commitment among senior staff of local government councils in Delta state and that perceived autonomy and job commitment among senior staff of local government councils in Delta State are not moderated by professional qualification and experience. Based on these findings, it was recommended that leaders should empower their team members to take an active role in shaping the organization's direction by encouraging employees to contribute their ideas, expertise, and decision-making abilities which in turn enhance job commitment.