Change Management and Employee Productivity in Selected Private Universities in Abuja

This study examined the effect of change management on employee productivity in selected private universities in Abuja, Nigeria, with specific focus on communication, leadership transition, and technological advancement. The study was motivated by the increasing need for private universities to enhance productivity through effective management of organizational change in a rapidly evolving digital and administrative environment. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from academic staff of Nile University of Nigeria and Baze University, Abuja. From a total population of 1,018 academic staff, a sample size of 288 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane sampling technique, while stratified sampling was employed to ensure adequate representation. Data were analyzed using regression analysis to test the formulated hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that communication had a strong positive and significant effect on employee productivity (R² = 0.610, p < 0.05), indicating that effective information flow enhances staff efficiency and performance. Leadership Transition also showed a significant positive influence on employee productivity (R² = 0.494, p < 0.05), confirming the role of supportive leadership in motivating employees and improving work outcomes. Technological advancement equally demonstrated a significant positive effect on employee productivity (R² = 0.365, p < 0.05), showing that modern technological tools enhance work speed, accuracy, and service delivery. Based on these findings, the study concludes that effective change management practices significantly enhance employee productivity in private universities in Abuja. The study therefore recommends strengthened communication systems, sustained leadership transition, and continuous investment in modern technology and staff training to promote higher productivity and institutional effectiveness.