CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Morale is an employee's outlook toward different stakeholders of an entity and is a psychological state of affairs for contentment, poise and resolution. In an organizational concept morale is an important factor which determines the performance of an organization. Which means morale will create a positive attitude among employees and that will help to attain organizational commitment and goals, hence morale determines the performance of an organization (Morgan, 2002). Hence, it could be said that employee morale explains the outlook, contentment and poise that employee’s feel at work. When employees are affirmative about their environment and think that they can meet their most significant desires at work, employee morale is encouraging or elevated. Likewise, if employees are downbeat and discontented about their place of work and suffer a stumpy attitude and as if they cannot gratify their goals and needs.

        Usha Tiwari, indicates that employee morale and its impact on the efficiency of employee still exist in good manner and further indicates that relationship with the fellow workers, team spirit in direct work environment, working condition of work place ,leaves and holidays provided, management and employees are allowed to talk freely are the most important factors which are determining the employee morale (Usha Tiwari, 2014). In addition, another study argues that communication is playing an important role in increasing the satisfaction of employee and their satisfaction leads them to have high morale (Upadhyay and Gupta (2012). Zial concludes that employee morale and employee retentions are closely related to the teambuilding in the organisation and also it will create a positive atmosphere in the work place (Zial, 2011). Based on the review of prior studies, it could be seen that the conclusion of majority studies were revealing the role of employee satisfaction in developing employee morale. Nwachukwu, indicates that job satisfaction is closely associated with work, pay and promotion (Nwachukwu, J.C., 1992), at the same time, he further concludes that satisfaction of employees regarding work, pay and promotion will increase the morale of an employee. Another evidence has given by Sherfudeen, M.M., explains that morale of an employee is depends on socio-economic factors and job facts (Sherfudeen, M.M., 1995). Another study indicates that morale is depends on income, experience and educational qualification of an employee (Manickavasagam, V., 1995). At same time most of the research studies were explains that job satisfaction is strongly related to the improvement in job performance. Employee’s achievements, motivations, their perception regarding their job, participation in decision making are increasing the job satisfaction and performance of employees (Ekramulhoque, M. and Hasanath Ali.Md., 1988).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Both morale and attitudes are required for organisational development and individual performance. When the attitude is regarded as an individual phenomenon, many investigators systematize these feelings what are assumed to be workers’ needs. Similarly, as per the workers’ morale approach, most researches are bewildered with social or group significance. The impulsive environment of a correctional facility influences each individual in an assortment of ways. As such many researchers have attempted to evaluate the relationship between the workers’ morale with the attitude. But no serious work has been initiated at the Lagos state ministry of science and technology, Alausa, Ikeja. Even though every staff member at the Lagos state ministry of science and technology, Alausa, Ikeja is an exceptional individual, methods for bringing to mind encouraging morale are the need of the hour.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The research questions are:

1. What is the relationship between workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja?
2. What are the components of workers’ morale and workers’ performance?
3. To what extent do workers’ morale affect workers performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja?
4. What are the factors influencing workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja?

1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study seeks to determine the role of workers’ morale in determining workers’ performance. The objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the relationship between workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja
2. To identify the components of workers’ morale and workers’ performance
3. To determine the extent to which workers’ morale affect workers performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja
4. To identify the factors influencing workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0: there is no significant relationship between workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja

H1: there is significant relationship between workers’ morale and workers’ performance in Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research will contribute to knowledge and theory of workers motivation and workers morale. It will also investigate factors that negatively affect workers’ morale and workers performance. This research will also assist the Lagos state ministry of science andf technology to know the components of workers’ morale and workers’ performance. The importance of workers’ morale and workers’ performance will also be captured in this research work. Finally, the study will serve as an added knowledge to other researchers for further studies.

1.7 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study covers on the role of workers’ morale in determining workers’ performance with focus on Lagos state ministry of science and technology, alausa ikeja.

Limitation of the study

1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work

1.8 OPERATIONALIZATION OF CONCEPTS

WORKERS’ MORALE: workers’ morale or workspace morale is the morale of employees in workspace environment. It is proven to have a direct effect on productivity.

WORKERS’ PERFORMANCE: workers’ performance is how a member of staff fulfils the duties of their role, completes required tasks and behaves in the workplace. Measurements of performance include the quality, quantity and efficiency of work

1.9 PLAN OF THE STUDY

The chapter one of the study will contain the background of the study, the problem statement, the aim and objectives of the study, the research questions, the statement of the hypothesis, the significance of the study, the scope of the study, the limitation and definition of terms. The chapter two contains the review of related literature. The chapter three contains the methodology. The chapter four contains the data presentation, analysis and interpretation. The chapter five contains the conclusion.