MODERATING EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY IN EDO STATE UNIVERSITY IYAMHO

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of human capital development on social service delivery with employee performance examined as a moderating variable, using Edo State University, Iyahmo as a case study. The objectives were to examine the impact of education on social welfare delivery, assess the effect of health initiatives on quality of service, and evaluate the moderating role of employee performance in these relationships. A quantitative survey design was adopted, the total population for both academic and non-academic staff of the university were 666 staff. Using Taro Yamane sampling size determination and simple random sampling technique, 250 staff were sampled through structured questionnaire administered and 174 questionnaires were considered valid and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis through the aid of SPSS were used for data analysis. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between education and social welfare (B=0.873, p<0.001) and between health and quality of service (B=0.915, p<0.001). Additionally, employee performance was found to significantly moderate the relationship between human capital development and social service delivery, though with a slightly negative interaction effect (B=−0.007, p<0.05). The study recommends that university management prioritise continuous staff training, enhance health and wellness programmes, and adopt balanced performance management systems to optimise service delivery outcomes.