CAUSE OF LOW PRODUCTIVITY BY PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS (A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY)

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:

Productivity is very vital for the development of any country because it will help to improve the standard and quality of life of the citizens.

The issue cause  of low productivity by public service workers have in recent time been a matter of great concern to the nation.

Let us first of all define the term or rather make an attempt to the definition of productivity.

Productivity simply means the rate or efficiency of work especially in industrial production.  Therefore, low productivity is simply the slow rate and inefficiency of work in production.  Increased productivity will help to improve the conditions of the environment as well as enhance security.  This is why David Ricado stated in his study of population “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.

Yesufu T. M. (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 problem of raising output is one of making the most efficient use of all available resources.

With these definitions,     one may ask – Why is the Nigerian Public Service workers inherently characterized by low productivity inspite all government’s efforts to improve productivity?

Increasing productivity is a way of increasing the ability of people to do what they want to do as such that it can provide the wherewithal for achieving a higher standard of living for those suffering from low income and inversely boosting the prosperity of the overall Nigerian economy.

1.2     STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:

There have been concerned efforts by the government and the organized private sector to enhance productivity in Nigeria.  For instance, the Federal or State Government organizes seminars and workshops aimed at making its personnel to increase productivity.  We also have the National Productivity Centre and the Federal Government gives merit award to individuals who have distinguished themselves in terms of being highly productive.  But in spite of all the efforts being made, the public sector is still experiencing low or decreasing productivity.

Especially in the Public Service today, there is relatively low level of productivity as most of the personnel are not putting in their best; some are idle, others come late to work and still others are absent from work without permission.  There is general laxity among workers who believe that government work is nobody’s work.

Nigerians cannot withstand the competition in the world market; this is also attributable to low productivity especially in the public sectors.  In other countries, their level of technology is very high thereby enhancing their level of productivity which puts them in a favourable position in international market.

This study will therefore provide answers to questions like – the causes of low productivity in the public sector of the Nigerian economy using NEPA, Enugu North Local Government Area as the case study.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

In view of the fact that the issue of low productivity has become a matter of great concern to the various sectors of the Nigerian economy, against this backdrop, the objectives of this study are aimed at finding out:

1. Why productivity is low in the public sector
2. The roles of motivation in productivity

iii.      Also the management problems that causes inefficiency and low productivity of workers.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

In pursuance of this study, the following research questions were considered relevant.  Though the research questions were formulated based on the objectives of the study;

1. What are the ways or means through which the management of NEPA motivates their workers?
2. How does motivation relate to productivity in an organization?

iii.      What are the relevance of motivation in the management of public organizations (NEPA)?

1. How does motivation serve as a management tool for increasing productivity?
2. What are the management problems that cause inefficiency and low productivity of workers?

1.5     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

According to Osuala (1985:27) “an adequate statement of the problem also defines it very carefully in terms of its scope, and it is obvious for a researcher to set forth the bounds of the topic being researched on”.

Based on this, the scope of this study covered the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) within Enugu North Local Government Area.

1.6     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

A study of this nature cannot be completed successfully without the researchers encountering some major constraints.  Against this backdrop, one of the major constraints of this study was inadequate time.

Another limitation to this study was inadequate fund, which would have marred the efforts of the researchers.

Moreover, a major limitation to this study was the uncooperative attitude of some of the respondents (ie the workers) from the organization under study especially as it concerned the completion of the copies of questionnaire administered to them.

1.7     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study would be of immense benefit to the government and the management of public organizations especially those who are indifferent to the plights of the workers, since the study through the recommendations provided solutions and suggestions through which workers could be gingered for greater performance.  A major significance of this study is that it will serve as another contribution to the academic development of the theories of productivity.

CAUSE OF LOW PRODUCTIVITY BY PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS (A CASE STUDY OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY)