Interpersonal Relations and Public Service Performance in Nigeria: A Study of Bayelsa State Public Service

This research study is on interpersonal relations and the performance of public servants in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The main objective is to ascertain whether interpersonal relations can enhance performance in public service in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research collated quantitative data from structured questionnaires filled by public servants and data from interviews of some civil servants of different rank through a purposive method. This was justified by the fact that it enabled the researchers to capture both the forms and the contents of the interpersonal relationship, plus the frequency density and flow of the interaction network. The results showed significant differences in communication preferences. Fifty-six percent (56%) of the respondents preferred face-to-face conversation. Other issues were ineffective role definition and interdepartmental conflict influencing performance. The quantitative surveys used stratified random sampling to gain a wide population range, while the qualitative surveys used purposive sampling to gain knowledge of approved informants. The quantitative data was analyzed using statistical methods. Conversely, the qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis, facilitating a robust quantitative assessment of the relationship between interpersonal relationships and the performance of public servants. The results unveiled a moderate and significant positive relationship between interpersonal relations and public service delivery outcomes. This finding instills hope and optimism that improving interpersonal relationships can potentially improve public service performance in public service in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study affirms the understanding of how interpersonal relations can be harnessed to address issues in delivering public services.