RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROBLEMS IN EDO STATE CIVIL SERVICE
Abstract
Abstract
This study empirically examined problems of recruitment and extent of the utilization of job
description and job specification in the recruitment process in Edo state civil service. To achieve
he objectives of the study, questionnaires were administered to civil servants in five ministries in
Edo state. Stratified random sampling method was used to draw a sample of 95 grouped into the
four major categories of grade levels. Descriptive survey design was employed and descriptive
statistics used for the analysis. The survey identified factors such increasing pressures for
employment, utilization of informal sources of recruitment, long military era, federal character
principle, lack of independence of the service commission and delegation of recruitment
functions as the prevalent problems affecting recruitment in Edo State Civil Service. As a result
of these problems, job description and standard personnel requirements were not adequately used
in the recruitment process, especially at the lowest category of grade level. Based on the findings
and conclusions, it was recommended that the federal government should promulgate laws that
will protect employees in the private sector in order to reduce consistent pressures for
employment in the public sector. Subjective and informal sources of recruitment should be de-
emphasized and instead sources from educational institutions and professional organizations
should be encouraged. It was also recommended that the remuneration of the civil servants
should be increased. Civil service should utilize job description when embarking on actual
recruitment exercise and personnel requirements should be developed to match position
classification in the service. The study finally, recommends the re-examination of the reliability
and validity of employee selection instruments in the civil service.
