CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Employee relations encompass the comprehensive interaction between employers and employees, establishing conditions of employment. It encompasses various aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, equal opportunity, training, development, and organizational structure. A robust employee relations framework is crucial for the ultimate success of any organization, whether in the public or private sector.
Maintaining a strong relationship between employers and employees is highly beneficial in the workplace. It enhances employee productivity and efficiency while minimizing conflicts and fostering loyalty from employees. Organizations, for effectiveness and productivity, rely on a content and happy workforce that contributes to overall growth. This highlights the correlation between employee happiness and productivity, emphasizing that content employees are more likely to be productive (Fritzsche and Parrish, 2005).
Creating an enabling environment for workers is pivotal for their overall performance. The work environment significantly influences workers' productivity, and a favorable environment encourages seamless work. Conversely, an unfavorable environment can jeopardize worker productivity (Makinde, 2013).
Research from various sources emphasizes the importance of strong relationships for organizational success. Long-term relationships with customers, employees, and other business owners are crucial for navigating challenging times and gaining a competitive edge (Accuff and Wood, 2004; Browne and Keeley, 2009; Donaldson and O’Toole, 2007; Ford et al., 2003; Selmier and Travis, 2013).
According to Jackson (2009), the employer-employee relationship, like any other relationship, requires effort and must be mutually beneficial. Employers need to give, share, and support, not just receive, for a relationship to thrive.
Industrial disputes have become pervasive in many organizations, leading to the collapse of once-viable establishments. Job satisfaction, a crucial aspect of the employer-employee relationship, is defined as the positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one's job or job experience. Employees with higher job satisfaction tend to be more productive, committed to the organization, and less likely to leave.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Unhealthy relationships between employees and employers, as well as among colleagues, contribute to employee unproductivity in many organizations. Job dissatisfaction resulting from poor employee relations may lead to detrimental actions such as betraying the workplace's trust, selling classified documents to rivals, or engaging in industrial actions like strikes and lockouts.
Understanding the extent to which employee relations are practiced in Eket Local Government and identifying the factors influencing employee job satisfaction are critical issues that need exploration. This study aims to address these questions and provide insights into the dynamics of employee relations in Eket Local Government.Top of Form
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are:
(1) To identify employee relations practices implemented by Eket Local Government Council Administration.
(2) Investigate the frequency of employee relations practiced in Eket Local Government Council.
(3) To determine the level of job satisfaction among staff of Eket Local Government Council
(4) To investigate the relationship between employee relations and job satisfaction among staff of Eket Local Government Council.
(5) To examine the impact of Job Satisfaction on performance.
1.4 Research Questions
(1) Is employee relations part of the administration of Eket Local Government Administration?
(2) To what extend is employee relations practiced in Eket Local Government Council
(3) Is there Job Satisfaction among staff of Eket Local Government Council?
(4) What is the relationship between employee relations and Job Satisfaction among staff of Eket Local Government Council
(5) What is the impact of Job Satisfaction on performance.
1.5 Scope of the Study
The study covers the effect of employee relations and job satisfaction on the performance of staff of every employ in Nigeria with particular reference to staff of Eket Local Government Council.
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H01: there is a significant statistical relationship between employee relations and Job Satisfaction among staff of Eket Local Government Council.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This study will be beneficial to researchers, scholars, professors, etc, who are willing to carry out researches of the topic.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
The only limitation the researcher experienced was delay in filling and returning the questionnaires by the respondents. Also out of 552 total copies of questionnaires distributed, two hundred were retrieved because of mutilation and misplacement on the part of the respondents.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Employee Relations: This refers to the relationship between employees of Eket local government and their employers and the relationship staff have amongst themselves.
Job Satisfaction: This refers to the satisfaction an employee derives from his/her work which is influenced by variables like promotion pay, fairness and a good working condition.
Staff Motivation: Refers to incentives given to employees by the employer to spur them to work harder.
Team Work: Refers to working in unity to promote the affairs of the workplace.
Employee Relation Practice: This involves the body of work concerned with maintaining employer-employee relationship.
