Analysis Of Factors Responsible For Low Productivity Of Workers

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The issue of low productivity of Nigeria workers has in recent years been
a matter of great concern to the nation. The rate at which productivity grows is
influenced by two things: –
(i) The rate of society’s demand and the rate of inflation.
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
Ricardo 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.
YusufT.M. (1962:50) 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 THE PROBLEM
Research has been carried out in Nigeria; regrettably not much has
been done in the way of solving the problem facing the Nigeria
workers.
This has been detrimental to the increase of productivity which will
contribute to the development of nation like Nigeria. In order to
increase productivity among the workers in Nigeria with the help of
PHCN as a guide the following bottle neck were observed.
The fear of Job security among workers.
The workers should be assumed of their jobs.
The motivational tool and incentives were not properly provided to
the workers that will make them to put in their best.
The job evaluation system has been carried out in an unfair manner
Lack of programmes provision for developing staff made many junior
staff undertake personal training at the detriment of the employers.

1.3 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objective or purpose of the stud is to discover the
Following:
1. To closely look at those factors responsible for low productivity.
2. To review the current operating standard that will be of great help
in the task of increasing productivity.
3. To verify what should be done to increase the overall interest of the
workers to enhance productivity.
4. To find out the ways to ensure commitment to work in order to
increase productivity.
To investigate how effective the motivational method already applied
has promoted productivity.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
To carry out the research effectively, a number of related
Questions covering the productivity of workers in PHCN have been
raised.
The following questions were used to acquire the necessary
information on the study.
What factors were responsible for the low productivity of the
workers?
What will encourage a worker to work diligently and put in his best at
work?
What types of work environment will help to facilitates a worker in
carrying his duties.
Does management style of leadership affects workers productivity
level?
What additional incentives will the management apply to increase
productivity?

1.5 SCOPE
The research gave much consideration to the problems
associated with low productivity among workers in the public and
private organization where productivity level can be measured.
The study intends to cover a public sector which is National
Electricity power Authority.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The result of research will help to address those problems that militate
against low productivity of workers in the public and private sector of
the economy.
The research also will provide managementthe needed background in
theory and practice for the implementation of the policies as well as
coordinating, organising and controlling of the affairs of the public
sector.
He will also help the PHCN management in dealing with the
productivity problems.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The research work is limited by the amount of the materials such as
text. Therefore, going into detail will involve getting data from all of
them and this will not be an easy job considering the limitation
resource (i.e money, effort and time) available. Other limitation apart
from the general problem include financial aspects.