Academic staff attitude and labour union's performance in State Owned Nigerian Universities

Abstract

Labour unions have been handicapped by some factors around the world from their inception till date, and one of the less explored impediments to their performance is the attitude of members towards the causes of the union. The study examines academic staff attitude and their labour union’s performance in the Nigerian State- Owned Universities. The objective of the study was investigated through a survey method with a quantitative and interview guide. Data were collected through questionnaire administered on 352 union members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which were sampled through multi-stage technique in addition to the interview conducted with 12 executive members of ASUU with two from each of the universities surveyed. Data collected were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics, and thematic analysis. Results showed that academic staff attitude significantly affects membership strength as well as their labour union’s performance. In view of the findings, it was concluded that the attitude of union members remains a factor that has over the years weakened labour unions’ strength in Nigeria and this has affected their performance. It was recommended that labour union engage in continuous education and enlightenment programs on how to change the negative attitude of their members towards union activities while union executive members are to work together harmoniously and pursue a collective interest that can foster members’ positive attitude towards union causes at all times