Project – ANALYSIS OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF THE NIGERIA WORKERS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The issue of low productivity of Nigeria workers of secondary schools has in recent years been a matter of great concern to the nation. The rate at which productivity grows is influenced by two things: The rate of society’s demand and the rate of inflation (Balas, 2004).

Increased productivity is very vital for the health of the country because it will help to improve the conditions of the environment, enhance security and improve the standard and quality of life of the citizens. This is why David Ricada in his study of population said that food needs to grow at a geometrical rate in order to meet the demand of the growing population. This emphasizes the need for increased productivity (Burnstein. and Fisk, 2003).

The performance of a corporate organization, which determines its survival and growth, depends to a large extent on the productivity of its workforce. Infact, the wealth of a nation as well as socioeconomic well being of its people depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of its various sub components. Labour is generally regarded as the most dynamic of all the factors that are employed for the creation of wealth, having the potential to energise and serve as catalyst to all of the other resources (Yesufu, 2000).

Productivity is thus of fundamental importance to the individual worker of whatever status, to the organization whether commercial or not and to the national economy at large and accordingly therefore, to the upliftment of the welfare of the citizen and the reduction if not total eradication of mass poverty (Yesnfu, 2000; Akinyele, 2005).

Yesufu (1962) was of the view that productivity can be defined as the ratio between output and all the resources used in production i.e. capital, labour, raw materials etc. the most efficient use of all available resources. With these definitions; One may ask why is the Nigeria worker inherently characterized by low-productivity in spite of all government’s efforts to improve the economy and the ever increasing need for improved productivity? The answer to this disturbing question is vital and will be answered and discussed in this study.

Increasing productivity is a way of increasing the ability of people to do what they want, to do as well as achieving a higher standard of living for all suffering from low income and in boosting the prosperity of the overall Nigeria economy.

1.2    Statement of Problem

Nigerians have so much complained about a low productivity of Nigerian workers. Even workers themselves have also been worried about their own level of productivity. The problems of the study are buttressed below:

Delayed salaries can affect the productivity of workers especially in the public sectors. Workers are not motivated to work when they have not been paid. The motivational tool and incentives were not properly provided to the workers that will make them to put in their best.

The fear of Job security among workers is one of the factors responsible for low productivity in both educational sectors.

Lack of programmes provision for developing staff made many junior staff undertake personal training at the detriment of the employers

It can now be seen that low-productivity is a general issue in Nigeria and also a big problem in Nigeria and it adversely affects the economy. Nigerians are faced with several hardships in the country. Low-productivity of our industries is one of the notable causes of this.  It makes cost of many products to be high as many people want to buy the few available products.

1.3    Aims and Objective of the Study

This research work seeks to study the factors responsible low productivity of workers in Nigeria and the objectives of this study include:

1. To examine Analysis of factors responsible for low productivity of the Nigeria workers.
2. To review the current operating standard that will be of great help in the task of increasing productivity.
3. To examine the effect of motivation on workers’ productivity.
4. To find out the ways to ensure commitment to work in order to increase productivity.
5. To investigate how effective the motivational method already applied has promoted productivity.

1.4 Research Questions

To carry out the research effectively, a number of related questions covering the productivity of workers in Queens College, Yaba have been suggested. The following questions will be used to acquire the necessary information on the study.

1. What factors were responsible for the low productivity of the workers?
2. What will encourage a worker to work diligently and put in his best at work?
3. What effect does motivation have on workers’ productivity?
4. Does management style of leadership affect workers’ productivity level?
5. What additional incentives will the management apply to increase productivity?

1.5    Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were developed for the study:

H_O: There is no significant relationship between motivation and workers’ productivity in an organization.

1. H₁: There is significant relationship between motivation and workers’ productivity in an organization.

H_O: There is no significant relationship between motivation and workers’ productivity in an organization.

2. H₁: There is significant relationship between incentives and increase in productivity.

H_O: There is no significant relationship between incentives and increase in productivity.

1.6    Scope of the Study

The work will examine Analysis of factors responsible for low productivity of the Nigeria workers. The research gave much consideration to the problems associated with low productivity among workers in the educational sector where productivity level can be measured. The study intends to cover a secondary School in Yaba, Lagos which is Queens College.

1.7    Significance of the Study

The significance of the study are stated below:

The result of research will help to address those problems that militate against low productivity of workers in the educational sector of the economy. The research also will provide management the needed background in theory and practice for the implementation of the policies as well as coordinating, organizing and controlling of the affairs of the public sector. It will also help the school administrators in dealing with the productivity problems.

 

1.8    Definition of Terms

Productivity: This is the ratio of output to inputs in production; it is an average measure of the efficiency of production.

Worker: One who works at a particular occupation or activity.

Organization: It is an organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department.

Motivation: A reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way.

Management: The process of dealing with or controlling things or people

Project – ANALYSIS OF FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF THE NIGERIA WORKERS