SUCCESSION PLANNING AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN AKWA IBOM STATE CIVIL SERVICE: AN ASSESSMENT

Abstract

In recent years, placement of embargo on recruitment has affected succession planning in Akwa Ibom state civil service. Succession planning is an administrative process in both public and private organization is aimed at ensuring the continuity and effective operation of any organization. Therefore, the study seeks to examine succession planning and service delivery in Akwa Ibom State civil service. Data for this study were obtained from the primary and secondary sources. Survey method was adopted for the study and a total of 389 questionnaires were administered to staff of randomly selected ministries in Akwa Ibom State civil service, 382 were duly filled and returned while 7 was either mutilated or not returned. The data obtained were analyzed using simple percentage and Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the hypothesis. The findings indicate among others that succession planning in Akwa Ibom State Civil has become a political tool where vacancies are detected and most times filled by politicians. Findings further revealed that poor financial availability has critical affect succession planning as an administrative process in Akwa Ibom State civil service. Thus the study recommends that there should be systematic approach in recruitment so as to limit the activities of god-fatherism and political interference. Also embargo often placed on recruitment should be lifted so that vacancies created can be filled.