Recruitment Practices and Employee Retention in Petroleum Service Stations in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between recruitment practices and employee retention in petroleum service stations in Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated how recruitment planning, selection methods, and induction programs influence employee retention outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population comprised registered petroleum service stations operating across the three senatorial districts of Delta State, from which a sample size of stations was selected using Krejcie and Morgan's sampling table and stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation at significance level. Findings revealed that recruitment practices adoption was at a moderate-high level (Mean = 3.52), while employee retention was moderate (Mean = 3.38). Correlation analysis showed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between recruitment practices and employee retention (r = 0.674, p < 0.05). The study concludes that implementing systematic and transparent recruitment practices significantly enhances employee retention in petroleum service stations. It recommends that stations should adopt merit-based selection processes, provide comprehensive induction programs, ensure realistic job previews during recruitment, and develop clear career progression pathways to improve retention outcomes.