MANAGERS’ RATING OF HUMAN RELATION SKILLS NEEDED BY BUSINESS EDUCATION GRADUATES FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN IMO STATE

Abstract

This study ascertained human relation skills needed by business education graduates for
sustainability of SMEs in Imo State. One research question guided the study while two null
hypotheses were tested. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The
sstudy was carried out in Imo State. The population of this study comprised 130 SMEs registered
with the Imo State chamber of Commerce and Industry as at 2019. The entire population of 130
registered SMEs was used for the study since the size is considered manageable. Data for the
study was collected using a validated research questionnaire. Cronbach Alpha was used to
determine the internal consistency of the instrument which yielded a reliability coefficient value
of 0.81. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation was used to answer research questions and
determine the homogeneity or otherwise of the respondents’ ratings. The t-test and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed
among others that applying positive reinforcement when relating with others, developing good
customer orientation for effective operation, persuading customers and stakeholder as expected
were highly needed human relations skill. The finding also revealed that there was no significant
difference in the mean responses of SME managers on human relation skills needed by business
education graduates for sustainability of SMEs based on their years of experience. Based on the
findings, it was recommended among others that business education graduates should attend
more workshops, seminars, and conferences that emphasizes on the importance of human
relations skills for sustainability of SMEs.