MEANINGFUL WORK AND NORMATIVE COMMITMENT AMONG EMPLOYEES IN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between meaningful work and normative commitment among employees in service organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research adopted a survey research design, targeting a population of 519 employees across selected banks, the Rivers State Police Command, and Rivers State University. A sample of 226 employees was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula, and a stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation. Data were collected using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire measuring employees’ perceptions of meaningful work and normative commitment, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Out of 226 distributed questionnaires, 200 were completed and returned, yielding an 88.5% response rate. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation to test the hypothesized relationship. Findings revealed that employees generally perceived their work as meaningful, with an average mean score ranging from 3.06 to 3.27 across items. Normative commitment scores also indicated moderate to high levels, with mean values between 3.03 and 3.23. The correlation analysis showed a strong positive and significant relationship between meaningful work and normative commitment (r = .959, p < .01), suggesting that employees who find their work fulfilling and purposeful are more likely to feel a moral and ethical obligation to remain with their organization. The study concludes that fostering meaningful work environments can enhance employees’ normative commitment, and it recommends that service organizations in Rivers State align job design, organizational values, and leadership practices to reinforce the sense of duty and loyalty among employees.