Explaining age influence on organisational commitment dimensions among Nigerian University female support staff

Abstract

Age influence on organisational commitment dimensions among female employees has been barely investigated. To fill this knowledge gap, the present study examined the influence of age (younger and older) on affective, continuance and normative commitments in a sample of university female support staff. A total of 152 female support staff, purposively selected from two public universities in southern Nigeria participated in the study. They completed a self-report questionnaire that assessed affective, continuance and normative commitment and some demographic variables. Data were analyzed to predict affective, continuance and normative commitment from age. Results suggest that age had a direct influence on affective commitment and normative commitment. Specifically, younger employees reported higher levels on affective commitment and normative commitment. The study recommends that human resource managers identify and encourage aspects of the job that are likely to strengthen younger employees’ bond to the organisation.

Keywords: Affective commitment, continuance commitment, normative commitment, age, female support staff