THE INFLUENCE OF RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE ( A CASE STUDY OF KOGI STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, LOKOJA)

This study examines the influence of recruitment and selection on employee performance at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Effective recruitment and selection are critical human resource management functions that determine the quality of personnel employed and, by extension, their contributions to organizational goals. The research adopted a descriptive survey design, targeting both management and staff of the hospital. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, while secondary data were sourced from official records and relevant literature. The findings reveal that well-structured recruitment and selection processes, based on merit, qualifications, and job-fit, significantly enhance employee performance, motivation, and job satisfaction. Conversely, politically influenced or poorly executed recruitment practices were found to contribute to skill gaps, low morale, and reduced productivity. The study concludes that merit-based recruitment and transparent selection criteria are essential for improving service delivery in the healthcare sector. It recommends that the hospital management adhere strictly to fair and objective recruitment policies, provide adequate orientation for new hires, and continually review selection procedures to meet evolving service demands.