Abstract
This study examined the relationship between situational awareness and absenteeism of
employees in the hospitality industry in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey
design was employed. A structured questionnaire for situational awareness and absenteeism
was used to generate primary data for the study. The respondents to the research instrument
consist of 285 employees drawn from 25 three-star hotels out of 100 registered hotels with
Bayelsa State Tourism Development and Hotel Licensing Agency in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State as
at March 2024. The sample size of 285 employees was achieved using Taro Yamene’s formula,
and Bowley’s Proportional Allocation Technique was adopted. Quantitative data was analysed
with the aid of Spearman Ranked Order Correlation Coefficient statistical tool. The results
were considered statistically significant, as the p-value was less than .01 level (p < .001).
Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between situational awareness and
absenteeism. Given the findings it was concluded that there is significant empirical relationship
between situational awareness and absenteeism among employees in the hospitality industry
in Bayelsa state Nigeria. It was recommended that; management should provide regular
situational awareness training programs aimed at improving employee’s situational
awareness. Such trainings can enhance their situational awareness capabilities by helping
employees anticipate how their behaviours would affect others. An understanding of such
situations will reduce absenteeism.