Security and Organisational Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Smes) in South-South Nigeria

This study examines the relationship between security and organisational performance in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South-South Nigeria. Against a backdrop of significant industrial activity and evolving cyber threats, the research investigated how safe working hours, cyber security, and employees' emergency orientation influence employee safety, product/stakeholder safety, and employee retention. A quantitative survey design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of employees. The data collection instrument was validated through a pilot study, demonstrating high reliability with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.89. Contrary to expectations grounded in stakeholder and socio-technical systems theories, the results from simple linear regression analyses revealed no statistically significant relationships between any of the three security dimensions and the measures of organisational performance. The findings suggest a significant disconnect between formal security practices and their tangible outcomes in this specific context, highlighting a critical implementation gap. The study concludes that for SMEs in South-South Nigeria, the value of security is not inherent in its policies but is contingent upon effective, deeply embedded, and contextually relevant execution. Recommendations are offered for managers and policymakers to bridge this gap.