EFECT OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT ON EMPLOYEE LOYALTY IN PUBLIC SECTOR IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT

Abstract

Career development is a crucial aspect of an employee's professional life, shaping the trajectory and direction of their career. It not only influences an employee's growth and progression but also significantly impacts their commitment and loyalty to an organization. In recognition of this, a study was conducted to examine the relationship between career development and employee loyalty within the public sector of the Batticaloa district. This research specifically focused on the Divisional Secretary staff in the Manmunai division, utilizing a sample size of 285 staff members. To gather data, the study employed a questionnaire comprising 19 questions related to career development and 10 questions pertaining to employee loyalty. Career path planning was dissected into five dimensions: clarity of career path, path components, initiation in path development, high management support, and the role of human resource management. These dimensions were chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to career path planning. The findings of the study revealed a strong relationship between career path planning and employee loyalty. Each dimension of career path planning showed a significant positive correlation with organizational commitment and loyalty. The overall correlation coefficient was approximately 0.536, indicating a strong positive relationship between these variables. This implies that improvements in career path planning practices are associated with higher levels of employee loyalty. In the study underscores that effective career development initiatives are integral to enhancing employee loyalty in the public sector. By investing in clear career pathways, supportive management practices, and robust human resource management, organizations can significantly increase their employees organizational commitment and loyalty. This, in turn, can lead to higher retention rates and a more motivated and dedicated workforce.