ORGANISATIONAL ECOSYSTEMS AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (AKIRS)
Abstract
This study explored how organizational ecosystems impact employee development within the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), focusing specifically on professionalism and inclusivity. A survey research design was employed. The population consisted of 340 AKIRS staff members, from which a sample of 181 respondents was chosen using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) statistical table. Primary data were gathered through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire, personally administered to respondents in their respective offices. A simple random sampling technique was used to ensure all members of the population had an equal chance of selection. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Simple linear regression was used to test the study hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level, with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 facilitating the analysis. The results indicated a strong positive relationship between professionalism and employee development (R = 0.834). Inclusivity also showed a high positive correlation with employee development (R = 0.795). These findings imply that professionalism and inclusivity are critical to the ongoing development of employees at AKIRS. The study concluded that enhancing organizational ecosystems through professional standards and inclusive practices is vital for fostering employee growth in public revenue institutions. Based on these findings, it was recommended that AKIRS leadership support professional certification programs focused on tax administration, ethical standards, service excellence, and technical skills. Additionally, a comprehensive inclusivity strategy should be implemented to ensure equal representation across all organizational levels, with particular emphasis on diversity, gender balance, and cultural inclusion.