THE ROLE OF MANAGEMENT IN INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN AN ORGANIZATION

Abstract  

This study is on sociological examination of single parenthood. Four objectives were raised which included; to identify factors affecting productivity in building construction project, to identify the role of management in productivity improvement in building construction project, to determine the appropriate tools that must be employed by management in order to achieve high productivity in building construction project, to ascertain the relationship between the managerial strategies and productivity increment in an organization. In line with these objectives, four research hypotheses were formulated and four null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff from different construction companies was selected randomly. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up managers, human resource managers, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

Any country that will be on her feet of survival must have a productive workforce. The workforce in manufacturing, industrial, energy, banking, educational, commercial and construction must be productive so as to see that such country survives the global trend of economical development. However, construction sector is a giant sector in any economy which should be given a proper attention in seeing that the workforce is highly productive. As the 20^th century began, certain managers who wanted to improve the practice of management began to put their ideas in writing. The managers were particularly concerned with two issues; increasing the productivity of individuals performing work; and increasing the productivity of organizations within which work is performed. Directing the attention of individual performing work and their strengths to determine how to manage work, an organization produces high level of output by a better use of resources. A body of management known as the classical approach addresses jobs and productivities which are critical issues for modern managers. The problem of low productivity has been a perennial one, which has to be solved once and for all.   Gibson (1999) notes that, to improve productivity, managers functions would have to be efficiently practiced. The management process will necessitate direct attention to productivity, planning and action. Planning, organizing and controlling will need to focus in the relationship of quantities of output and inputs. He further stated that productivity can be boosted through the new equipment and job design. People are also extremely important workers who should be given a befitting respect. Abiola (2004) is of the opinion that productivity improvement is a central challenge or management in all types and sizes of organization. Productivity also involves the relationship between input and output goods and services. However, many construction industry outputs include all goods and services produced during a given time while inputs include all resources consumed to produce an output. Labor, capital, materials and energy are the inputs resources used or consumed. He further noted that improved utilization of manpower asset is the key to the significant short and long term productivity improvement. This productivity improvement is concerned with increasing output, reducing cost and the profitability of the company.   Productivity indicators and measures help in goal setting, identifying the best cost of action that will optimize resources utilization and cost effectiveness. An analysis of the past productivity trends and development can help in making decisions that will determine the future of the enterprise. Planning is the most basic of the management functions because it involves the determination of organization mission, strategies and objectives. Productivity is a major objective for most organizations. It is logistical to suggest that this goal is part of the organization planning strategies. Organizations realize this everyday by making efforts to integrate productivity improvement into strategic planning.   Therefore, the purpose of this research work is to look at the role of management in improving productivity in Nigeria building construction project, also to examine those factors that affect the low level of productivity. To come up with solutions to those problems, and the tools to be used by the management for effective use of the resources put together to increase productivity.