SKILL ALIGNMENT AND EMPLOYEE ADAPTIVE PERFORMANCE IN AIRLINE OPERATORS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between skill alignment and employee adaptive performance in airline operators in Rivers State, with emphasis on learning and responsiveness. The research was motivated by persistent skill mismatches in the Nigerian aviation sector, which undermine adaptability and service quality. A correlational survey research design was adopted, with a population of 412 employees across four airline operators in Rivers State. A sample size of 202 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table and selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire, with reliability confirmed using Cronbach Alpha coefficients above 0.70. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that skill alignment significantly and positively influences both learning and responsiveness. The study concluded that skill alignment is a critical driver of adaptive performance in the aviation industry. It recommended that airline operators adopt deliberate recruitment, training, and deployment strategies to align skills with roles, and ensure that job responsibilities match employee competencies to enhance adaptability and operational resilience.