SPORTSMANSHIP BEHAVIOUR OF MANAGERS AND ITS EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT: A CASE STUDY OF PORT HARCOURT'S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.

This study examines the relationship between managers’ sportsmanship behaviour and employee commitment in the hospitality sector in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Employee commitment was assessed in terms of affective commitment and normative commitment. This research utilized a quasi-experimental and cross-sectional survey designs. The target population is 159 sample elements drawn from the four major hotels and restaurants in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. However, the accessible population was 124 respondents. The sample size (S) was determined based on the guidelines of census study technique which allow for the entire population (124) to be adopted as the sample. The study relied on primary source and secondary data sources. Data was analyzed using Sperman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient with the aid of SPSS. The findings of the study showed that workers' levels of affective and normative commitment were positively correlated with sportsmanship behaviour shown by their managers. It was recommended that; Managers should exhibit sportsmanship behaviour, which involves behaving ethically and respectfully towards their employees. This will create a positive work environment that fosters affective commitment among employees. Managers should strive to create a positive work environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and positivity. A positive work environment can lead to increased normative commitment among employees.