THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MULTINATIONAL FIRMS

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MULTINATIONAL FIRMS

ABSTRACT

            It is a well-known fact that business organization develops a particular work practice and management attitude, which reflect their shared values, aspirations and goals. A workforce is made up of people with diverse values. The more the organization accept these values the higher the morale productivity of the employee. This is easier when members of this organization are drawn from the same cultural configuration. The culture of people which constitute the organization would wish to express their diverse values and expects that such be respected.

            Culture constitutes the spiritual consciousness of people and it is deep rooted in their life. Their rituals are part of their daily lives and they will give their best to those who will make them grow and allow them to retain their basic core values. However, in a multinational workplace there are power bases and corporate culture are influenced by the culture of the power base. In most multinational organizations in Nigeria, the culture of the host country determines how work is done.

            The study discovered that management practices are influenced by culture, the cultural orientation of the company’s management determines the management practice they adopt. Where there is multinational orientation, the management practice causes the workforce to stretch in other to align to the culture being practiced by the organization, this is however, unproductive.             The work of this research is reported in chapter five. Chapter one laid down the basic philosophy necessitating the study as well as the nature of the problem, it stated the basic questions it aimed to answer. The second chapter discussed various lectures on the subject. Chapter three presented the method adopted, while the remaining chapters presented the outcome of the study and made useful conclusion.

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THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA

THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Globalization is one of the major phenomena of our times and its scope is very extensive and versatile affecting factors such as economics, political, cultural, lifestyle and most especially sciences and technological advancements

The process of globalization is said to include the information technology evolution characterized by advancement in electronics, computers and telecommunications made possible by the scientific and technological breakthroughs in miniaturization of integrated circuits, transistors and semi – conductors (Mike 1999:343).

Emerging technologies are playing a vital role in allowing globalization of economic and social activities to thrive. It is correct to say that the era of globalization has brought about the rapid spread and application of computers, the internet, satellite and the mobile phones innovations in the world, particularly in Nigeria where communication has been difficult and communication facilities were inadequate in our major cities, semi-urban and rural areas. Presently, with the introduction of mobile phones, many rural areas now have access to communication facilities and they communicate easily with the rest of the world.

It is important to note that globalization does not eliminate the scope and eliminate the scope and activities or nation or a state, but fundamentally redefines its role and affects its operations. The real issue today is not the debate about whether globalization is real or not, or whether it is desirable or not, but to analyse how the emerging technologies can be better channeled to promote more growth, more trade, greater modernization and better living standards of Nigerians with the aims of helping the country to re-emerge from its present social and economic difficulties. The challenges facing our nation are complex and they required good visioning, sound strategic plans that will correctly identify viable development paths and to resolve to translate such strategic plans into meaningful and fruitful and efficacious action (Abhulimen, 2000).

Globalization and growth of information technology and other emerging technologies do not imply the local production of technology hardware. Many developing countries like India and Malaysia have embraced the emerging technologies, particularly information and communication technology (ICT), and are experiencing unprecedented economic growth as a result of this. Many developing countries however have yet to integrate successfully into global economy.

Some 2 billion people around the world particularly in Sub – Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union live in countries that are slow in getting onto the train and are thus being left behind. These countries have been unable to increase their integration into the global economy: their ratio of trade to GDP is either maintaining a flat trend or in some cases actually declining. On average, these economies have contracted; poverty has increased and education levels have arisen less rapidly than in the more globalized countries. (Abhulimen, 2002).

Considering the evolution in information and communication technology (ICT) in Malaysia, India, South Africa and other developing countries with remarkable achievement and comparing their potentials with that of Nigeria, one can say that Nigeria has a better opportunity of evolutionalizing its information and communication technology (ICT) sector than those countries mentioned above. This is obvious, with its teeming population of unemployed graduates, a vibrant labour force, rich crop of high netwoth of individuals imbued with different entrepreneurial spirit, all that is needed is very much available, but the stepping stone of information and communication technology (ICT) evolution is the schools.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Emerging technologies as a result of globalization have effects on economic and social activities of nations, particularly in the area of information and communication technology (ICT). Therefore, the purpose of this research is to find out how some developing countries embraced information and communication technology? Does location of country affect its development in information and communication technology? What are the basic facilities needed to have a viable information and communication technology sector? What are the enabling policies and infrastructures for effective and efficient information and communication technology in Nigeria? These and many other questions are raised from the problem areas that require solutions to enhance the effective assessment of the impact of globalization on information and communication technology in Nigeria. It is hoped that this study will provide the required solutions for effective assessment.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

For every action there are objectives. Therefore, the objective of the study is to examine the effect of globalization on information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria. And to assess and help Nigeria to be prepared to reap the ample economic and social benefits offered by the emerging information and communication technology that links the whole world together as a global village.

To achieve these objectives, the following were examined:

  1. The awareness of the public on Information and Communication Technology in the country.
  2. The availability of the required facilities for the full application of Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.
  3. The availability and adequacy of government of policies and strategies for the effective application and utilization of Information and Communication Technology.
  4. The pricing strategies used for the services provided through the Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria.
  5. To suggest how to enhance the effective application of the Information & Communication Technology to achieve adequate communication linkages in all aspects of human endeavour towards improving our standard of living in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION  
1.1 Introduction  
1.2 Statement of the Problem  
1.3 Research Objectives  
1.4 Scope of the Study  
1.5 Hypothesis  
1.6 The Methodology of the Study  
1.7 Limitation of the Study  
1.8 The Significance of Study  
1.9 Definition of relevant Terms  
  Footnotes  
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK  
2.1 Introduction  
2.2 Literature Review  
2.2.1 Impact of Globalization on Information and Community Technology (ICT) in
  Malaysia  
2.2.2 Impact of Globalization on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  in South Africa  
2.2.3 Impact of Globalization on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  in India  
2.3 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Evolution.  
2.3.1 Information and Communication Technology evolution in Nigeria  
2.3.2 Information and Communication Technology evolution in Malaysia  
2.3.3 Information and Communication Technology evolution in South Africa  
2.3.4 Information and Communication Technology evolution in India  
2.4 Theoretical Framework  
2.4.1 Concept of Globalization  
2.4.2 Merits and Demerits of Globalization  
2.4.3 Merits and Demerits of Information and Community Technology (ICT0  
2.4.4 The Unique Characteristics of Information and Information Technology (ICT)
2.5 Information and Communication Technology for Specific  
  Developmental Goals……………………………………………………. 28
2.5.1 ICT for Health……………………………………………………………… 28
2.5.2 ICT for Education…………………………………………………………. 31
2.5.3 ICT for Economic Opportunity…………………………………………… 33
2.5.4 ICT for Empowerment and Participation……………………………….. 36
2.5.5 ICT for the Environment…………………………………………………. 38
2.6 Summary…………………………………………………………………… 40
  Footnotes…………………………………………………………………… 43

 

CHAPTER THREE: BACKGROUND OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA

3.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………… 45
3.2 Communication in Nigeria Before the Introduction of Global  
  System Mobile (GSM)…………………………………………………….. 45
3.3 ICT Objectives in Nigeria………………………………………………….. 45
3.4 National Information Technology Policy…………………………………. 46
3.5 Benefits of Information and Communication Technology to Nigeria…. 60
3.6 Problems of ICT in Nigeria………………………………………………… 61
3.7 Summary……………………………………………………………………. 61
  Footnotes……………………………………………………………………. 63
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
4.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 64
4.2 General Research Methods………………………………………………… 64
4.3 Research Methods used in Data Collection………………………………. 67
4.4 Data Collection Procedures………………………………………………… 69
4.5 Methods used in Analyzing Data…………………………………………… 71
4.6 Summary …………………………………………………………………….. 72
  Footnotes……………………………………………………………………… 73

 

CHAPTER FIVE: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS & FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

5.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………….. 74
5.2 Impact of Liberalization of Nigerian Telecommunication Industry…….. 74
5.3 Global System Mobile (GSM) Roll-Out ………………………………….. 75
5.4 Growth in Telephony and TeleDensity in Nigeria……………………….. 76
5.4.1 Growth in Internet Users & Penetration, Vsat Network…………………. 77
5.5 Impact of Competition on Tariff……………………………………………. 78
5.5.1 Changes in Connection & Airtime Charges for Mobile Phone in Nigeria… 79
5.6 Infrastructure Expansion and Revenue Generation…………………….. 80
5.7 Other Developments in the IT Sector…………………………………….. 81
5.8 The Findings of the Research Study ……………………………………… 82
5.8.1 General Discussions on the Implications of the Findings………………. 84
5.9 Summary …………………………………………………………………….. 86
  Footnotes…………………………………………………………………….. 87
CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
6.1 Introduction………………………………………………….  
6.2 Summary  
6.3 Conclusions  
6.4 Recommendations  

 

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MANAGING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN SELECTED BREWING FIRMS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 Background of the Study

The commencement of the Industrial Revolution is linked to a number of innovations, beginning in the second half of the 18th century. By the 1830s the following gains had been made in important technologies: textile, steam power, iron making, machine tools, chemicals, cement, gas lighting, glass making, paper machine, agriculture, mining, others are transportation, canals, roads and railways and these increased the standard of living, nutrition, housing, clothing, consumer goods and population increase (Evans and Ryden, 2005).

There was industrial revolution because of availability of leaders with the right skill, ability, intelligence and competence to turn around the nation’s economy.

In 1911, Frederick W. Taylor published his work, The Principles of Scientific Management, in which he described how the application of the scientific method to the management of workers greatly could improve productivity. Scientific management methods called for optimizing the way that tasks were performed and simplifying the jobs enough so that workers could be trained to perform their specialized sequence of motions in the one “best” way.(Jones and George,2009)

Prior to scientific management, work was performed by skilled craftsmen who had learned their jobs in lengthy apprenticeships. They made their own decisions about how their job was to be performed. Scientific management took away much of this autonomy and converted skilled crafts into a series of simplified jobs that could be performed by unskilled workers who easily could be trained for the tasks. Taylor succeeded because he was able to train his workers, which is human capital development, an aspect of intellectual capital management.

The term knowledge industries, knowledge work and knowledge worker are nearly fifty years old, they were coined around 1960 simultaneously but independently (Drucker, 2008). Before that time knowledge was typically considered the province of training and was thought of as an individual capability. However, in the mid-90s Peter Drucker began to write about “knowledge workers” and the “knowledge economy” and proposed the idea that knowledge was a critical organizational asset that was as important as capital or property (Drucker, 2008).

The initial idea of knowledge management (explicit knowledge) was that an organization’s knowledge needed to be documented and then placed in a database where everyone could access it whenever they needed it – no longer would employees only be able to learn when attending a training class.  Given the limitations of content management, by 2000 there began to be glimmers of a new perspective on knowledge within organizations. This new perspective (experiential knowledge) held among others that:

 

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Public Relations And Dispute Management In Public Limited Liability Company

Public Relations And Dispute Management In Public Limited Liability Company . A Study Of Dangote Cement Factory Calabar

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The role public relation is like the work of the personnel manager in an organization in relation with the workers. Hence it is a task requiring managerial judgment which places a considerable responsibility on the managers or the people involved.

According to Kevin (1974) defined public relations as interaction between human elements in an organization in their day-to-day work process.

The interaction goes beyond the institution of job rules and regulations and encompasses the existing social relation power position of the actions in the public relation system.

According to Akpala (1993). The role of public relation officer in dispute management involves in every situation a process of defining power and authority relations amongst people, management labour organization and government for job, roles and job values. Organizational dispute is the same as industrial dispute. Every human experiences has one type of period of unrest, dispute or violence. Thus, every human organization is characterized with experiences at one time or the other such as a period of dispute, violence and unrest. However, the  dispute in organizations are not often backed with physical exchange of blows and fighting. Organizations are made of different persons of different characters thus, ideas and wants, demands, as well as views. The filling of unrest, the competition, the stress, the tension of being disengaged, and the insecurity of job could lead to several types of dispute. Dispute ispart of organizational life and may occur between individuals, and between groups. Whiledispute is generally perceived as dysfunctional, it can also be beneficial because it may cause an issue to be presented in different perspectives. dispute  has both positive and negative effects. It can be positive when it encourages creativity, new looks at old conditions, the clarification of points of view, and the development of human capabilities to handle interpersonal differences. dispute  can be negative when it creates resistance to change, establishes turmoil in organization or interpersonal relations, fosters distrust, builds a feeling of defeat, or widens the chasm of misunderstanding.

Azamosa (2004) observed that  disputes involve the total range of behaviours and attitudes that is in opposition between owners/managers on the one hand and working people on the other. It is a state of disagreement over issues of substance or emotional antagonism and may arise due to anger, mistrust or personality clashes.

Two types of  disputes at work have been distinguished. These are:

  • Organized

Otobo (2005:125) expresses that organized  dispute forms part of a conscious strategy to change the situation which is identified as source of discontent. This type of  dispute is thus a group activity, involving deliberate decisions taken at a mass meeting or by selected representatives of affected staff.

In unorganized  dispute, the worker responds to the situation in the only way open to him as an individual, that is, by with drawing from the source of discontent, or in reaction engaging in sabotage and rudeness Agwu (2006: 12) argues that such reaction rarely derives from any real calculative strategy. Indeed, unorganized expression of  dispute are often, not regarded as  dispute  by the persons in the situation. This is why most people may not ordinarily associate acts of rudeness with being in a state of  dispute. Quite often, such rude behaviormay be attributed to “bad mood” and similar psychological states of mind. disputes in organizations, whether organized or unorganized individual or group, need to be managed effectively because of their effects on the organization.

Industrial relations is concerned with the interactions between employers and employees and their respective organizations – as influenced by governmental interventions – at work, or arising outside of the work situation. These interactions can take place at various levels.For example, between an individual employee and his or her employer within an enterprise or workplace; between a group of employees or a trade union and an individual employer; between a trade union or unions and an employers’ organization at industry or sector level; and between peak representative bodies of employees and employers at the national level.

This indicates that employee-employer interactions can be:

  1. individual or collective;
  2. within individual enterprises or workplaces;
  • within groups of enterprises or industries;
  1. at the provincial or state level
  2. at the national level

Irrespective of the level of interaction, it is clear that employees and employers, and their respective organizations, have both common and disputing interests. The common interest relates to the production process, which generates the goods and/or services, and the resultant earnings that enable enterprises to survive, make profits and grow, and which at the same time, provide the means for employees to earn wages and receive benefits.

The  disputing interest relates to the share of production proceeds. Employees seek to improve their wages and non-wage benefits; employers seek to improve profits and returns for the owners and shareholders. A typical example of a  disputing interest is when employers seek discretion over hiring and firing, whereas workers want protection from unfair labour practices. Furthermore,dispute is considered psychologically and socially healthy. It is psychologically healthy because it provides a breather for frustrations and enables a feeling of participation and even of joy. In addition, it is sociable healthy because it encourages opposition to the status quo and provides conditions for social chances and democracy stemming from pluralism and respect to diversity.

Dispute  management has been observed to be an important aspect of corporate management. Ugbaja (2002)notes that the aim of  dispute  management is not to create an ideal corporate situation since that is not attainable given the divergences in the individuals goals, etc. However,  dispute management systematically uses the available  dispute  resolution strategies to build an effective mechanism

m for  dispute  management in corporate organizations. Although there may be existing mechanism and procedures already in place to deal with  disputes whenever they occur, some organizations with reactive managers rise to the situation when it occurs.

1.2    STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

Organizational dispute remains a two-way mechanism for organizational efficiency. While some persons see dispute or conflict as a threat to organizational growth and performance, other view it a s mechanism for efficiency and growth. The diversity in the views of scholars and the need to specifically identify the performance effect and causative impact of industrial dispute necessitated this study. This diversity has led to the questions are they difference perception among firms and individuals which has occasioned this diversity among scholars? If there is what actually is the influential or determining factor?

Unfortunately, the term “dispute” has only the connotation of “bad” for many people; so much so that they think principally in terms of suppression, giving little or no attention to its more positive side. Rico (1964) as cited in Hotepo (2010) emphasizes this by stating that it seems entirely likely that many, if not most, organizations need more dispute, not less. This view supports industrial dispute. However, the question remains is industrial dispute bad? Are there positive effect of industrial dispute on organizations?

Tjosvold (1998) complements this statement arguing that dispute is not the opposite of cooperation but a mechanism that allows perceiving benefits of cooperative work. Furthermore,  dispute is considered psychologically and socially healthy. It is psychologically healthy because it provides a breather for frustrations and enables a feeling of participation and even of joy. And it is sociable healthy because it encourages opposition to the status quo and provides conditions for social chances and democracy stemming from pluralism and respect to diversity. In all what most people view as negative others view as positive.

However, Azamosa (2004) observed that dispute s involve the total range of behaviors and attitudes that is in opposition between owners/managers on the one hand and working people on the other. It is a state of disagreement over issues of substance or emotional antagonism and may arise due to anger, mistrust or personality clashes. Disputes in organizations have destabilizing effects on the overall performance of the organization. It leads to under performance since valuable time and resources (human and material) are used in controlling and managing disputes rather than in enhancing output and productivity. disputes also lead to interpersonal disharmony in the organization which makes attainment of organizational goals difficult. Attaining organizational goals is possible if efforts are always made to reduce the overall level of  dispute within the organization but to what extent is this view feasible? And to what extent does it affect organizational performance. 

1.3    OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objectives of his study is to investigate Publc Relations And Dispute Management In Public Limited Liability Company . A Study Of  Dangote Cement Factory Calabar

 

The following objective of the study are as follows:

  1. To determine maximum training levels and provide basis for sound management development programmes.
  2. To help to ensure optimum use of human resources currently employed.
  3. To provide for the future manpower needs of the organization in terms of skills numbers and ages.
  4. To put to an end inordinate cause of crisis in our organization.

1.4    SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is mainly on the effect of public relation in managing crisis in Dangote Cement Factory Calabar Local Government Area. With the view that it will provide a snapshot to correcting the abnormality in other institution and Nigeria at large. This study is further limited to the importance of human interaction and job performance in Dangote Cement Factory Calabar.

1.5    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This work is of immersed important to public liability company, it shall provide possible remedies to the problem of manpower development and need, vise versa via job performance, it shall also put to a stop the possible causes or organization crisis and usher-in good working environment.

Academically, the work is of importance because it shall act as basis by which other students will lay hand and for further research on similar topics.

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

  1. Does good public relation practice lead to effective dispute management in Dangote Cement Factory Calabar
  2. Is it proper to invite a third party in setting crisis in Dangote Cement Factory Calabar.
  3. What are the roles of staff motivation towards dispute management

1.6    STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS

HO: A good public relation practices leads to an effective dispute management in Dangote Cement Factory Calabar.

HI: Good public relation does not have any relation with effective dispute management but dependention on other variable.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

This work is greatly limited by the following.

  1. Time; Due to time factor, the researcher concentrated and selected few banks as a case study. However, the periodwas well managed as telephone conversation and interviews were conducted within the duration rather than wait to ascertain and reach out to all the banks.

Finance; there is financial constrain during the period of this research. The researcher was able to come out of this through the help of friends and family members

1.8    DEFINITION OF TERMS

  1. Management: This means a kind of work that involves organization goals or objectives.
  2. Organization: It is a set of interrelated compound working together to accomplish some goals
  3. Public: It means the citizens of a given area, the people of town, region, state or country.
  4. Public relation: This means the interaction between human elements in an organization their day-to-day work process.
  5. Questionnaire: It is an instrument of data collection used for the research work.
  6. Managers: Is defined as a person employed to carry out some managerial functions.

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