Workers’ Participation in Decision Making and Performance of Public Sector Organization in Enugu State Local Governments, Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of decision-making on organizational performance cannot be overemphasized. There is a common believe among management theorists that decision-making is one of the most important of all management activities. It is also generally believed that workers’ participation in decision making has positive impact on the overall performance of any organization. Therefore, this work is an assessment of workers’ participation in decision making and its impact on public sector performance with particular reference to Enugu state local government system. The researcher adopted the use of both primary and secondary data. The study adopts a descriptive method of research. The population size of the study is five hundred and ninety-five (595) junior and senior staff drawn from the seventeen (17) local governments in Enugu state. Thirty-five (35) staff from each local government sample size is three hundred and forty staff determined by Taro Yamani’s statistical formula. The sample size comprises of 137 junior staff of 17 local governments and 102 senior staff. Each local government comprises of 8 junior and 6 senior staff. Therefore, fourteen (14) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to each local government which amounted to a total number of 239 copies of the questionnaire to get information on the major areas of concern. The data collected for this study was analyzed using tables, percentages and averages. The hypothesis was calculated with the use of chi-square (X2). The study adopted McGregor’s theory x and y as a framework of analysis. Several findings which include the strategies through which the skills and abilities of workers could be maximized in any organization will be unveiled. The study made some recommendations which include that further research on the subject matter should be conducted.