Mediating Role of Psychosocial Factors on the Relationship between Downsizing and Employees¡¯ Commitment to Work among Federal Civil Servants in Nigeria

The study assessed the mediating role of psychosocial factors on the relationship between employee¡¯s perception of downsizing exercise and their commitment to work in selected public sector establishments in Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey design and a Multi- stage sampling technique was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select six Federal Government establishments in Abuja and Lagos State. Using stratified random sampling, a total of 604 respondents comprising (58.9%) males and (41.1%) females were selected from these establishments. Data were collected through the administration of standardized psychological tests: General Perception of Downsizing (GPD), Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Data collected were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed a significant positive relationship between employee¡¯s perception of downsizing and their work commitment (r = 0.17; p< 0.05). That is, employee¡¯s perception of downsizing exercise influenced their commitment to work. The results also showed that employees¡¯ perception of downsizing was significantly related to psychosocial factors, i.e. Self-Concept (r = 0.25; p<0.01); and Length of Service (r = 0.11; p<0.01). Furthermore, the results showed that Self-Concept and Length of service significantly and independently mediated the relationship between employee¡¯s perception of downsizing and their commitment to work, (¦Â = 0.36; t = 9.24; p<0.01); and (¦Â = 0.14; t = 3.56; p<0.01) respectively. The study concluded that employees¡¯ perception of downsizing related to their commitment to work. This relationship was, however, mediated by employees¡¯ self-concept and length of service.