Project – Employees response to technological innovation and sustainable development. A Study of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Technological innovation and sustainable development are two critical factors that have been shaping the business landscape in Nigeria. Employees’ response to these changes is a subject of significant interest, as it directly impacts the success of these initiatives. A study by Oyedijo (2012) found that employees’ attitudes towards technological innovation are generally positive, but there are significant barriers to adoption, including lack of training and fear of job loss. Similarly, a study by Akinola (2015) found that while employees are generally supportive of sustainable development initiatives, there is a lack of understanding about what these initiatives entail and how they can contribute.

The role of training and education in shaping employees’ responses to technological innovation and sustainable development cannot be overstated. According to a study by Oke (2017), training programs that focus on the benefits of technological innovation and sustainable development can significantly improve employees’ attitudes and increase adoption rates. However, these programs need to be tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the employees to be effective. This finding is supported by a study by Adeyemi (2018), which found that training programs that take into account employees’ prior knowledge and experience are more effective in changing attitudes and behaviors.

The impact of organizational culture on employees’ responses to technological innovation and sustainable development is another area of interest. A study by Ugoani (2016) found that an organizational culture that values innovation and sustainability can significantly influence employees’ attitudes and behaviors. This finding is supported by a study by Eze (2019), which found that organizations with a strong culture of innovation and sustainability are more likely to have employees who are supportive of these initiatives.

However, there are also significant challenges to implementing technological innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria. According to a study by Ogunnaike (2020), these challenges include lack of infrastructure, lack of funding, and lack of government support. These challenges can significantly impact employees’ attitudes and behaviors, as they can create a sense of uncertainty and insecurity. This finding is supported by a study by Adebayo (2021), which found that employees in organizations that face significant challenges in implementing technological innovation and sustainable development are less likely to be supportive of these initiatives.

mployees’ responses to technological innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria are shaped by a variety of factors, including training and education, organizational culture, and the challenges of implementation. While there is generally a positive attitude towards these initiatives, there are significant barriers to adoption that need to be addressed. Future research should focus on developing strategies to overcome these barriers and increase adoption rates.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of employees’ response to technological innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria is multifaceted and complex. The rapid pace of technological innovation has brought about significant changes in the workplace, leading to a shift in the skills required by employees (Bessen, 2019). However, the adoption and acceptance of these innovations by employees have been a significant challenge. This is due to factors such as lack of digital literacy, resistance to change, and fear of job loss due to automation (Bessen, 2019).

Moreover, the concept of sustainable development, which involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, has also been a significant concern in Nigeria (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). Despite the government’s efforts to promote sustainable practices, employees’ response and participation have been less than satisfactory. This is attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding of the concept, as well as the perceived extra workload associated with sustainable practices (Adeyemi, 2017).

Furthermore, the intersection of technological innovation and sustainable development presents another layer of complexity. While technological innovation can potentially contribute to sustainable development by improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact, it also poses challenges in terms of job displacement and inequality (Bessen, 2019). Employees’ response to this intersection is largely unexplored, particularly in the Nigerian context.

The lack of empirical studies focusing on employees’ response to technological innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria further exacerbates the problem. Most existing studies focus on the organizational level, overlooking the crucial role of employees as the primary users and implementers of these innovations and practices (Adeyemi, 2017).

Understanding employees’ response to technological innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria is crucial for policy formulation and implementation. It is also essential for organizations seeking to leverage technological innovation for sustainable development. Therefore, there is a pressing need for research in this area.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine employee’s response to technological innovation and sustainable development. The specific objectives of the study:

1. To examine the level of employees’ understanding and acceptance of technological innovation in the Nigerian work environment.
2. To investigate the impact of technological innovation on the productivity and efficiency of employees in Nigeria.
3. To assess the role of sustainable development practices in enhancing employees’ job satisfaction and commitment in Nigeria.
4. To identify the challenges of employees in adapting to technological innovation and sustainable development practices.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of employees’ understanding and acceptance of technological innovation in the Nigerian work environment?
2. How does technological innovation impact the productivity and efficiency of employees in Nigeria?
3. What role does sustainable development practices play in enhancing employees’ job satisfaction and commitment in Nigeria?
4. What are the challenges faced by employees in adapting to technological innovation and sustainable development practices in Nigeria?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Technological innovation has no significant impact on the productivity and efficiency of employees in Nigeria.

H1: Technological innovation has significant impact on the productivity and efficiency of employees in Nigeria.

 Significance of the Study

The significance of studying employees’ response to technological innovation and sustainable development is multi-faceted and has far-reaching implications for both the Nigerian work environment and beyond. Technological innovation is a driving force behind economic growth and development. It has the potential to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities for businesses. However, the successful implementation of these innovations largely depends on the understanding and acceptance of the employees who are expected to use them. Therefore, understanding the level of employees’ comprehension and acceptance of technological innovation is crucial for businesses aiming to leverage technology for growth and development.

Secondly, the impact of technological innovation on the productivity and efficiency of employees is another significant area of study. Technological innovation can streamline processes, reduce manual labor, and increase the speed and quality of work. However, if employees are resistant to these changes or lack the necessary skills to adapt, the potential benefits may not be realized. By investigating this impact, businesses can gain insights into how to better implement technological changes and provide the necessary support and training for their employees.

Thirdly, sustainable development practices are increasingly recognized as essential for long-term business success. These practices can enhance job satisfaction and commitment among employees, leading to lower turnover rates and higher productivity. By assessing the role of sustainable development practices in enhancing job satisfaction and commitment, businesses can understand how to better integrate these practices into their operations and culture.

Fourthly, identifying the challenges employees face in adapting to technological innovation and sustainable development practices is vital. These challenges can range from a lack of necessary skills or training to resistance to change. By identifying these challenges, businesses can develop strategies to address them, ensuring that their employees are equipped to adapt to these changes and that the business can fully benefit from the potential of technological innovation and sustainable development.

In a broader context, this study can contribute to the body of knowledge on technological innovation and sustainable development in the workplace. It can provide valuable insights for other businesses, policymakers, and researchers interested in these areas. Furthermore, it can inform the development of policies and strategies aimed at promoting technological innovation and sustainable development in the workplace.

The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the understanding of employees’ response to technological innovation and sustainable development. It can provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to leverage technology and sustainable practices for growth and development, and contribute to the broader discourse on these topics.

 Scope of the Study

The study examines Employee’s response to technological innovation and sustainable development. A Study of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State.

• Operational Definition of Terms

1. Employee: An employee is an individual who works part-time or full-time under a contract of employment, whether oral or written, express or implied, and has recognized rights and duties. They provide services to an employer in exchange for compensation in the form of salary.
2. Response: In the context of this study, a response refers to the reaction or behavior of employees towards a particular situation or change, in this case, technological innovation and sustainable development.
3. Technological Innovation: Technological innovation refers to the development and application of new technologies in the workplace. It can involve the introduction of a new technology or the improvement of existing technologies. Technological innovation can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
4. Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a concept that involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In a business context, it can refer to practices that promote economic growth and increased productivity while ensuring the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Project – Employees response to technological innovation and sustainable development. A Study of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State.