Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between reward management systems and employee retention has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Plateau State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Plateau State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of reward management systems on employee retention, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While reward management systems is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on employee retention within Plateau State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to reward management systems are helping or hindering employee retention — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Reward Management Systems on employee retention in Plateau State.
2. To assess the extent to which reward management systems influences employee retention within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with reward management systems in relation to employee retention.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing reward management systems in order to improve employee retention.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of reward management systems on employee retention in Plateau State?
2. To what extent does reward management systems influence employee retention within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with reward management systems in relation to employee retention?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize reward management systems in order to improve employee retention?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of human resource management, this study has practical value for management teams within Plateau State seeking to understand how reward management systems translates into measurable outcomes around employee retention. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Reward Management Systems and its relationship with employee retention within the context of Plateau State. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.