SUBJECTIVE CAREER SUCCESS AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT OF LIBRARIANS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the link between subjective career success and employee engagement among librarians in tertiary institutions in Edo State, Nigeria. The results indicate a positive relationship, highlighting the importance of career success perceptions in boosting engagement. Analysis of job success, financial success, and hierarchical success dimensions revealed that job success is a pivotal factor, with high satisfaction in positive feedback (mean = 3.56), professional responsibility (mean = 3.09), and managerial support (mean = 3.08). While financial compensation is generally adequate (mean = 3.02), some librarians perceive a mismatch between their efforts and rewards, with a mean score of 2.92, suggesting the need for fairer compensation strategies. The hierarchical success dimension shows moderate satisfaction (mean = 3.06), underlining the necessity for clear career progression paths, with a mean score of 2.95 reflecting concerns about limited promotion opportunities. Statistical analysis indicates that subjective career success accounts for approximately 9.1% of the variance in engagement levels, with a correlation coefficient of 0.315 and an adjusted R Square of 0.091. The study concludes that enhancing financial rewards and career progression opportunities can significantly improve engagement, benefiting both librarians and their institutions. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive training programs, reviewing compensation packages, and developing transparent career advancement pathways to foster a more motivated and engaged workforce.