Abstract
The study Employee Commitment and Organizational Performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Delta State explores the relationship between, job satisfaction, organizational climate, and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Delta State, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to determine if job satisfaction affects SME performance and examine organizational climate’s influence on SME outcomes. A descriptive research design was employed to achieve these objectives, involving 269 respondents from various SMEs across the state. Data were collected using structured questionnaires targeting employees and managers. The questionnaire included both closed and open-ended questions to capture quantitative and qualitative insights. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicated that job satisfaction significantly impacts SME performance, with a strong positive correlation. Employees who were satisfied with their jobs demonstrated higher commitment and productivity, leading to better organizational outcomes. Similarly, a positive organizational climate was found to enhance SME performance significantly. Based on these findings, several recommendations were made to improve SME performance in Delta State. These include enhancing job satisfaction through competitive salaries and career development opportunities, fostering a positive organizational climate by encouraging open communication and investing in employee development through regular training programs, strengthening leadership practices, and continuously monitoring and refining human resource practices. The study emphasized the critical need for SMEs in Delta State to prioritize employee satisfaction and a supportive organizational climate as key strategies for enhancing performance and achieving sustainable growth.
Keywords: Employee Commitment, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Climate, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.