An Empirical Study of the Effects of Work Environment (Electric Power Supply) on Job Performance of Academic Staff in Nigerian Public and Private Universities

Abstract

Boosting the job performance of academic staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions has remained a challenging managerial problem in the country. This study is an attempt to empirically examine the effects of work environment (with specific emphasis on electric power supply) on job performance of academic staff in public and private universities in Nigeria. Nigerian university system allows for government (public) and private ownership of universities under the regulatory guide of the National University Commission (NUC). One of the challenges facing Nigerian universities is infrastructure inadequacies (particularly electric power supply) fundamental to drive forward the system. This therefore, calls for a study of this nature to establish the effect(s) of this on the job performance of lecturers in the university system. In conducting the study, five research questions were designed to assess the regularity of electric power supply to offices of academic staff; establish whether the supply of electric power to the offices of academic staff is adequate and regular to create a conducive work environment; unravel the duties of academic staff which are dependent on the supply of electric power and establish the effects of electric power supply on the discharge of the duties of academic staff. Two hypotheses were also formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a survey design supplemented by other methods. A sample size of 300 respondents purposively selected from public and private universities was used as s basis for making inferences and generalisations. Data were generated through primary (questionnaire and observation) and secondary sources like textbooks, internet materials, journals articles, government publications, conference papers, newspapers and magazines. A questionnaire consisting of important questions was designed and administered. The responses from the questionnaires were coded and analyzed using descriptive method and the two hypotheses of the study were tested via Independent T-test statistical technique computed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results revealed the existence of a significant positive relationship between regular and adequate electric power supply to offices and the job performance of lecturers in terms of teaching, research and administration. The study also revealed that work related factors like internet facilities, good library, conducive work environment, regular and good remuneration, training opportunities, regular promotion, access to affordable medical care, recognition/awards are significant determinants of the job performance of academic staff in Nigerian Public and Private Universities. It is therefore recommended among others that concerted efforts should be made by government and managers of Nigerian universities to ensure regular and adequate electric power supply in the system; and provide functional internet facilities, good library, regular and good remuneration, conducive work environment, training opportunities, access to well equipped and affordable medical care, regular promotion, recognition/awards since they are known to have positive effects on the effective performance of the duties of academic staff.