Manpower Development Strategies and Firm Productivity in the Hospitality Industry Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the effect of manpower development strategies on firm productivity in the hospitality industry in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of training and development, talent retention, and diversity and inclusion on firm productivity. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 327 staff of selected hospitality firms, from which a sample size of 180 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was established through face and content validity. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS version 25. The study focused on examining the relationship between manpower development strategies and firm productivity in the hospitality industry. The study concluded that effective manpower development strategies are important for improving firm productivity and process efficiency in the hospitality industry. It recommended that management should invest in continuous training and development programmes that equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to improve productivity. Keywords: Manpower development, firm productivity, training, talent retention, diversity, inclusion