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Research Article

Volume 1, Issue 2

International Journal of Knowledge, Research and Innovation

Strategic Human Capital Development and Employee Behaviour in Catholic Hospitals in South-East Nigeria

MGBEMERE KIZITO CHUKWUEMEKA1*,AGBAEZE EMMANUEL KALU2,NWAOBASI ROSE OCHEZE3

* Corresponding author: MGBEMERE KIZITO CHUKWUEMEKA (mgbemerek@gmai.com)

Published: 9 November 2026

Issue: Volume 1, Issue 2

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Abstract

The study assessed the influence of strategic human capital development on the behaviour of employees within healthcare facilities of Catholic hospitals in South-East Nigeria. The study had three objectives: assessing the influence of learning opportunities on employee motivation and engagement; evaluating the influence of career growth opportunities on decision-making ability; and assessing the influence of role switching on initiative in job roles. The study employed cross-sectional survey research design with the target population comprising of 1,149 medical and non-medical workers within five Catholic hospitals. Through Cochran formula, 346 respondents were identified and sampled using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, Pearson correlation and ANOVA. The results show that continuous learning opportunities exerted significant but modest influence on employee motivation and engagement (R² = 0.014, p = 0.028). There exists a strong positive relationship between career growth opportunities and competence in clinical decision-making (r = 0.693, p = 0.000). Role switching learning opportunities have a significant positive influence on initiative in job roles (F = 146.681, p = 0.000) with the scores on initiative increasing progressively from low (M = 6.67) to high (M = 17.80) level of role switching. The study concludes that strategic human capital development influences employee behaviour in Catholic hospitals in South-East Nigeria. The study has contributed to knowledge by establishing that an integrated program of strategic human resources development and career development opportunities can help improve clinical competence, reduce employee turnover, and improve job satisfaction. It is recommended that the hospital management encourages cross-functional interaction through role switching programs, career growth opportunities, and leadership commitment in human capital development efforts.

Author Information

Institutional affiliations, countries, and ORCID records of the article authors.

MGBEMERE KIZITO CHUKWUEMEKA

First AuthorCorresponding Author

Affiliation: Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

Country: Nigeria

Correspondence: mgbemerek@gmai.com

AGBAEZE EMMANUEL KALU

Affiliation: Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

Country: Nigeria

NWAOBASI ROSE OCHEZE

Affiliation: Department of Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria

Country: Nigeria

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MGBEMERE, K. C., AGBAEZE, E. K., & NWAOBASI, R. O. (2026). Strategic Human Capital Development and Employee Behaviour in Catholic Hospitals in South-East Nigeria. International Journal of Knowledge, Research and Innovation, 1(2). https://www.ijkri.org/articles/strategic-human-capital-development-and-employee-behaviour-in-catholic-hospitals-in-south-east-nigeria-18e954

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Publication Information

Journal: International Journal of Knowledge, Research and Innovation

ISSN: Not available

Volume: 1

Issue: 2

Published: 9 November 2026

DOI status: Not Available

Strategic Human Capital Development and Employee Behaviour in Catholic Hospitals in South-East Nigeria | IJKRI