RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT AND WORK ENGAGEMENT: MODERATING EFFECT OF LEVEL OF EDUCATION

Abdulrahman Ali Shuaibu^1*, Usman Rahimat²

ABSTRACT

This study examines the moderating effect of educational qualification on the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and work engagement (WE) among private primary and secondary school teachers in Nigeria. Drawing on Organizational Support Theory (OST), the research highlights how individual differences, particularly educational attainment, influence the dynamics of the POS-WE relationship. While the theory emphasizes socio emotional needs and reciprocity as mechanisms through which POS impacts outcomes, it has yet to incorporate educational qualification as a moderating factor, despite its potential relevance in shaping employee perceptions and responses. The study is set within the unique socio-economic context of private school teachers in Nigeria, where challenging conditions such as poor remuneration, job insecurity, and resource constraints heighten the importance of organizational support. The research employs a cross-sectional survey design, utilizing validated scales for POS (Eisenberger et al., 1986) and WE (Schaufeli et al., 2006). Data were collected from 150 teachers using convenience sampling between August and October 2024. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the hypotheses, as it is suited for prediction-oriented objectives and models with multiple constructs. Findings reveal a significant positive relationship between POS and WE, moderated by educational qualification. Teachers with different levels of education displayed varying responses to POS, suggesting the need for tailored organizational strategies. This study validates and extends OST by integrating educational qualification as a moderator, offering theoretical enrichment and practical insights. Recommendations emphasize the importance of customized engagement approaches to maximize employee performance and enhance teacher effectiveness in challenging environments.

Keywords: Perceived Organizational Support, Work Engagement, Educational Qualification, Organizational Support Theory.