Effect of Work Environment on Performance of Academic Staff of Public Universities in North Central Nigeria

The study examined the effect of work environment on performance of academic staff of public universities in North-Central, Nigeria in order to address the declining academic staff performance of public universities due to unfavorable work conditions as evident in severally extant studies. Work environment was measured by both physical and psychological work environment. The study adopted the descriptive survey design which included the administration of structured questionnaire among the target population. The population of the study comprised academic staff of 13 universities in North Central, Nigeria. Sample size was determined using Yamane sample size model with an attrition of 30%. 381 questionnaire were returned and used for the analysis representing 76% response rate. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that, the physical work environment is an important factor in determining the job performance of academic staff with R Value of 58.6%, adjusted R² of .342 and a beta of 58.6% at a significant value of 0.000<0.05. This result indicates a significant positive effect of physical work environment (PWE) on performance of academic staff. On the psychological work environment, a very strong relationship exist between it and job performance of academic staff, as evidenced by the R value of 96.9% and significant value of 0.000<0.05. The study therefore concluded among others that, both physical and psychological work environment contribute significantly to improving performance of academic staff of public universities in North Central, Nigeria. It was recommended that, both physical and psychological environment be prioritized in the management of public universities in North Central Nigeria to directly address the declining academic standards and enhance their rankings among world-class Universities.