Management Commitment to Safety Practices and Employee Performance in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital (2016 – 2025)

Abstract This study examined the effect of management commitment to safety practices on employee performance in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, between 2016 and 2025. Grounded in the Domino Theory, Safety Climate Theory, and the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) model, the research employed a survey methodology. Data were gathered from a sample of 280 respondents selected from a population of 2,802 staff utilising stratified and purposive selection methods. Both primary data sources (questionnaires and interviews) and secondary data sources were employed. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square (χ²) were utilised for data analysis. The findings indicated a substantial disparity between management's commitment to safety and its actual implementation. Although the availability of fundamental equipment and regular sanitisation processes was recognised, essential elements such as safety training, communication, and workplace oversight were deemed insufficient. The Chi-square finding (χ² = 231.419, p < 0.05) necessitated the rejection of the null hypothesis, signifying that management's commitment to safety standards did not substantially improve employee performance. The report reveals that inadequate implementation of safety protocols and a deficient safety culture have negatively impacted employee productivity. It advocates for reinforced policy execution, ongoing safety training, enhanced communication, and proactive oversight to improve safety and performance results.