SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND WORK ENGAGEMENT IN TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE.

Okezie, I. I.

Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between social integration and work engagement in telecommunication companies in Rivers State, Nigeria with work engagement measured by employees’ dedication, energy and involvement. This research employed a correlational design with a quantitative methodology to explore the impact of social integration on work engagement among 1,184 employees from telecommunication companies. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire, and reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha, while Spearman’s rank correlation technique was used for bivariate analysis. The results revealed no significant relationships between social integration and the measures of work engagement, including employees’ dedication (r = .075, p = .281), energy (r = -.001, p = .988), and involvement (r = -.041, p = .553). These findings suggest that, within the context of telecommunication companies in Rivers State, social integration may not significantly influence work engagement. The study therefore recommends the need for a holistic approach to employee engagement, incorporating effective management practices, communication strategies, and employee development programs. It also underscores the importance of further research using mixed-methods to gain deeper insights into the complex dynamics of work engagement. This research provides a foundation for understanding how tailored engagement strategies can enhance organizational success in the evolving telecommunication sector.

Keywords: Social integration, work engagement, employee dedication, employee energy, employee involvement.