SKILLS UPGRADING INITIATIVES AND ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Skills upgrading initiatives and organizational growth in commercial banks operating in Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed how technical and soft skills training impact market penetration and market development. A correlational survey research design was adopted, targeting 69 human resource management personnel from 23 commercial banks in the state. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with Pearson Product-Moment Correlation using SPSS version 25. Findings revealed strong and statistically significant positive relationships between technical skills training and both market penetration (r = .855, p < .01) and market development (r = .680, p < .01). Similarly, soft skills training was significantly correlated with market penetration (r = .637, p < .01) and market development (r = .587, p < .01). These results underscore the critical role of continuous upskilling in enhancing banks' strategic growth objectives. The study recommends that banks institutionalize regular training programs focusing on both technical and interpersonal competencies to sustain competitiveness in a dynamic banking landscape. The study concludes that Skills upgrading initiatives through both technical and soft skills training has a significant and positive influence on the organizational growth of commercial banks in Rivers State. The study recommended among others that Commercial banks should continuously invest in technical upskilling, particularly in areas such as digital banking, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging financial technologies. This will enhance operational capabilities and support expansion strategies.