EFFECT OF RELIGION ON WORKERS PRODUCTIVITY IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: A SURVEY OF SELECTED PARASTATALS IN IMO STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to Garcia-Zamar (2015) and Sharabi (2009), a majority of employees wants to find meaning in their work. As a result, although working people have desire to fulfill their spiritual requirement they are unable to do so because of time constraints. In response to this, many organizations started to focus on creating a work environment that brings a greater sense of meaning and purpose. Many establishments are encouraging the development of this new trend because they believe a humanistic work environment creates a win-win situation for both employees and the organization (Garcia-Zamar, 2015). A growing base of literature suggests that there are significant effects of religion on workers’ productivity. This also has effects on the way people live, behave and work. Religious beliefs could make a significant difference in employee behavior and productivity, providing a frame of reference by which to guide decision-making, particularly in multicultural, multi-religious environments. Productivity plays an important role for economic growth and the welfare of people. Hence, there is no doubt that the possible determinants of productivity deserve to be studied. When looking at the determinants of productivity at the aggregate (society) level. Religion have been shown to be positively related to productivity and economic growth. However, it has been argued that these factors may not be sufficient for explaining differences in the levels of productivity (Sayes, 2011). There is one important background-forming phenomenon that has not received much attention in the literature, but is worthwhile to investigate as possibly affecting productivity. In addition, religion is something that often guides people’s choices and behavior. As productivity can be expected to be related to the everyday performance of the workforce and religion-related differences may prove quite useful in explaining differences in productivity levels between countries or regions. Improving workers’ productivity has been one of the most important goal for several parastatals. This is because higher levels of workers’ productivity provide an organization and its workers with various advantages. For instance, higher productivity leads to favorable economic growth, large profitability and better social progress (Sharma & Sharma, 2014). Additionally, employees who are more productive can obtain better wages/ salaries, better working conditions, and favorable employment opportunities. Besides, higher productivity enables an organization to maximize organizational competitive advantage through cost minimization and enhancement in high quality of productivity (Baily et al., 2013; Hill et al., 2014; Wright, 2004). All of these benefits have made workers’ productivity worthy of attention. Therefore, looking at its benefits it is very important to ensure public service survival and long term success. In fact, the issue of workers’ productivity has recently emerged in the literature and carries extreme significance. For instance, previous research works surrounding the topic of workers’ productivity in service contexts have been largely neglected (Brown et al., 2009; Filitrault et al., 2012). As such, the definition of workers’ productivity has been hard to conceptualize and measure. For instance, the common definition of productivity has mainly emphasized on the ratio between input costs and output value, despite existing associated implications that it could depend on the nature of business. Overall, there appears to be an ambiguity in conceptualizing, measuring the effect of religion on workers’ productivity. Hence, this study aims to examine the effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

There exists a significant research gap linking religion and workers productivity in the public service. A number of authors Gibbons, 2012; Milliman et al., 2015) agree that empirical research is particularly lacking in contributing to the new knowledge in this area (Some authors claimed that there was a positive causal relationship between spirituality and productivity (Enander, 2012; Thompson, 2012), but the validity of that claim is questionable since it was advanced either as a theoretical proposition or lacked supporting data (Valasek, 2009). Hence the study, religion and workers productivity in the Nigerian public service

1. AIMS OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine how religion is perceived to affect workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service
2. To examine the effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service
3. To examine the impact on of religion on organizations and work
4. To examine the relationship between religion and workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service
5. To suggest ways to enhance workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How is religion perceived to affect workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service?
2. What is the effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service?
3. What is the impact on of religion on organizations and work?
4. What is the relationship between religion and workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service?
5. In what ways can workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service be enhanced?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

1. : There are is no significant effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.
2. : There is a significant effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

Hypothesis 2

H0: There is no significant relationship between religion and workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

H1: There is a significant relationship between religion and workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

1.5SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will be of profound benefits enlighten the public sector on the effect of religion on workers’ productivity and also Productivity plays an important role for economic growth and the welfare of people. This study would also be of immense benefit to students and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study is restricted to the effect of religion on workers’ productivity in the Nigerian public service.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview)

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Religion: Is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, or spiritual elements.

Productivity: Is the efficient production of results, benefits, or profits. The employees who experience calling and membership will do the right thing to achieve the organization’s vision and to continuously improve and be more productive (Fry, 2015).