AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION AND ORGANIZATION PRODUCTIVITY IN UNION BANK OF CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

In the past two decades, employees were only seen and heard in matters pertaining to their schedules of duty in organizations. However, in an effort to promote organizational efficiency, employee participation has recently been an area of academic concern and interest (Lawleg, 2012). Also, dramatic advancements in technologies, changes in demography, competition, and adjustments in cultural trends has been witnessed. These results give birth to the need for employees' flexibility, higher qualifications, and skills to secure employment in organizations from that time on. Beyond that, employees’ involvement in any organization is all about creating an enabling environment in which they can have impact on actions and decisions that can influence productivity in their occupation. Relatedly, this will make the management team more proactive in attending to the needs of employees who are considered the organization‟s greatest asset.

Additionally, several researchers in management have outlined numerous advantages associated with engaging employees in organizational initiatives. These benefits encompass improved decision-making capabilities among managers, a positive work attitude, enhanced employee welfare, reduced operational costs through waste reduction, and heightened performance across all business sectors (Jones, Klami & Kauhanen, 2010). However, these benefits were further summarized into motivation, commitment, creativity, empowerment and job satisfaction (Light, 2004).

Furthermore, employee participation in corporate management initiatives motivates them to deliver quality services to customers and improve organizational productivity (Bendix, 2010). Also, Carson (2005) asserts that an average worker learns under proper conditions and that through proper leadership, management motivates employees and makes them more effective. Employees' inclination towards higher corporate productivity is significantly influenced by the various styles of leadership. In addition, a participation leadership creates benefits for an organization and its workers, as involvement improves productivity of a company and lowers role conflict, role uncertainty, absenteeism and employees‟ turnover (Mendes & Stander, 2011). However,  "participative management" theories have gained traction and the value of employee participation has grown, workers are now often able to contribute in ways that go beyond what is reasonable given their regular schedules. Nowadays, a lot of business organizations are changing to involve employees in decision-making more than before. Based on the aforementioned, this study seeks  an assessment of the impact of employee participation and organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Organizations are under pressure to find innovative approaches and act quickly to adapt to the changes. On the other hand, the demand for quick responses is increasing along with the rate of change, indicating a greater degree of organizational flexibility. The significance of skilled employees' involvement and contribution into the management process is amplified in such circumstances. Workers with knowledge, skills, and abilities become more strategically significant. Moreover, employee participation in decision-making and problem-solving is mostly motivated by the organization's desire to foster cross-functional relationships and fully utilize each employee's potential. The question of whether or not employees should participate in executive decision-making has generated a great deal of debate in Cameroon today. Additionally, numerous authors have advocated that employees should participate in decision-making, particularly when it impacts them or their jobs. It is anticipated that this kind of involvement will act as a training and trial ground for potential top management personnel. It is in the light of these that the study seeks an assessment of the impact of employee participation and organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to find out  the  influence  of employee relations on employee performance in an organization. Specifically, the study will;

1.Assess the level of employee participation in decision-making processes within Union Bank of Cameroon.

2.Examine the relationship between employee participation and organizational productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon.

3.Investigate factors that facilitate employee participation in in Union Bank of Cameroon.

4.Investigate the perceived impact of employee participation on job satisfaction and morale in Union Bank of Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following are some of the questions which this study intends to answer:

1 To what extent is employee participation observed in decision-making processes within Union Bank of Cameroon?

2 Does employee participation correlate with organizational productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon?

3 What factors contribute to and facilitate employee participation in Union Bank of Cameroon?

4 What is the perceived impact of employee participation on job satisfaction and morale among employees at Union Bank of Cameroon?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

The research hypotheses to be tested include:

HA: There is a significant positive impact of employee participation on organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon.

HO: There is no significant impact of employee participation on organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon.

1.6       Significance of the Study

This study will give employees the opportunity to state their individual perceptions towards organization productivity. Also, the management will benefit from the study too, as the findings will be presented to them make them understand the benefits of good employee participation and it influence on the productivity of the organization. Further more, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to an assessment of the impact of employee participation and organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon.

1.7       Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment of the impact of employee participation and organization productivity in Union Bank of Cameroon. Theoretically, this study will assess the level of employee participation in decision-making processes within Union Bank of Cameroon, examine the relationship between employee participation and organizational productivity, investigate factors that facilitate employee participation and the perceived impact of employee participation on job satisfaction and morale in Union Bank of Cameroon.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to staff in Union Bank of Cameroon.

1.8       Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

1.9       Definitions of Terms

The following terms were used in the course of this study:

Employee: refers to an individual working within an organization or company to perform specific roles, tasks, or functions in exchange for compensation, which may include a salary or wages.

Participation: involves employees actively taking part in decision-making processes, offering suggestions, providing feedback, and being involved in the overall functioning of the organization.

Organization: refers to an entity or entity type, such as a company, corporation, government agency, or nonprofit, that is formed to pursue specific objectives or goals.

Productivity: is a measure of the efficiency and effectiveness