Effect of Human Capital Development on the Performance of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in the South-South Region of Nigeria

This study examined the effect of Human Capital Development on the Performance of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in the Southeast Region of Nigeria. Specifically, ascertain the effect of employed training and evaluate the effect of skills acquisition on the organizational performance of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in the South-South Region of Nigeria. The study used a survey research design. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data on the issues of HCD in SMEs to understand the problems that affect their performance. The study adopts primary data. The data were presented in frequency, percentages, and mean tables and analyzed using the t-test statistical tool. The result shows that, the z-test with a z-statistic value of 31.23 and associated probability value of 0.0000 < 0.05 shows that employed training has a significant positive effect on organizational performance while the z-test with a z-statistic value of 30.27 and associated probability value of 0.0000 < 0.05 shows that skills acquisition has a significant positive effect on the organizational performance. we conclude that SMEs in Nigeria can attain significant improvement in both their financial and non-financial performance if adequate resources are invested in developing their human capital; especially through training, and skills. We recommended that the direction for HCD and organizational performance should consider measuring some additional constructs apart from training, and skills.