Perceived Workers’ Interest in Participatory Management: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

This study looked at the issue of workers’ interest in participation in management in Nigeria. It demonstrated that there is a growing interest of workers inparticipation in management in Nigeria but observed that certain political, economic and management problems challenge the practical processes. It opined, among others, that the economic stagnation and labour unrest experienced in Third World countries are attributed to external control over such economies. The study identified an alliance of a subsidiary political and merchant class that acts as cohort to this external influence and who excludes a vast majority of the people from participation in management. The human relations theoly is used as guiding framework. The analysis of degree of participation is based on the spheres and levels at which participation takes place. The study identified some basic elements for participation. These include the desire for influence, involvement and identification. It concluded that management in Nigeria should play down on rigid authoritarian management structure in order to allow meaningful participation to take place.