ABSTRACT

The study focuses on human resource development (HRD) practices on employee job performance in Enugu Metropolis. Four research objectives guided the study. The research were to assess the influence of training and development on employee job performance in travel agencies in Enugu Metropolis, ascertain the influence of performance appraisal on employee job performance in travel agencies in Enugu Metropolis, examine the influence of career development opportunities on employee job performance in travel agencies in Enugu Metropolis and determine the influence of employee participation in decision making on employee job performance in travel agencies in Enugu Metropolis. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study was carried out in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State. The sample size was 222 employee of travel agencies is the study area. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data presentation and analysis. Pearson correlation was used with the help of SPSS to test for hypotheses testing the relationship between human resource development practices and employee job performance. The findings revealed that: training and development, performance appraisal, career development and employee participation exhibited significant relationship with employee job performance in the selected travel agency in Enugu Metropolis.   The study therefore concluded that HRD practices are critical drivers of employee performance and organizational success in travel agency sector. Therefore, It was recommended that travel agencies invest in training and development (regular training programs, workshops, seminars to enhance employees’ skills and consistently in staff training), strengthen performance appraisal systems (fair and transparent appraisal method and constructive feedback), promote career opportunities (provide clear career paths, promotion policies, and mentorship) and  encourage employee participation (promote participatory management practices, involve employees in decision-making, planning and policy formulation). These strategies will not only boost employee job performance but also strengthen competitiveness and sustainability in the tourism industry.