Enhancing STEM Workforce Retention through Leadership Communication: A Comparative Analysis Study of Nigerian STEM Organisations

Abstract

This research examined the correlation between leadership communication practices and employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention in five Nigerian public institutions focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (NITDA, NCAIR, NASRDA, NABDA, and RMRDC), against the backdrop of global STEM labour force sustainability issues. Due to a convergent mixed methods design, 20 survey respondents and 10 qualitative interviews were used. Quantitatively, the strongest predictors of retention intent were identified as feedback mechanisms (r = 0.70) and transparency (r = 0.70), with the regression model explaining 56% of the variance in this type of retention intention (R² = 0.56). Communication frequency was moderately correlated (r = 0.65) but not statistically significant in predicting retention. A thematic analysis of the interview data collected in the study revealed four dominant communication themes: openness, feedback loops, leadership tone, and recognition. They have developed a comparative institutional framework, which reveals that NCAIR and NITDA agencies, characterised by participative and transparent communication cultures, exhibit the highest employee engagement and retention intent scores.In contrast, NASRDA and NABDA, with their more hierarchical communication structures, report lower satisfaction scores. The paper concludes by discussing the use of two-way transparent communication and feedback avenues of leadership as strategic levers that further drive retention in the Nigerian innovation ecosystem. It proposes its institutionalisation through professional and policy changes in arrangement and guidelines.