System Theory and Effective Performance in a Changing Environment

A Post-Mortem Study of Nigeria Public Establishment

Abstract

Public establishments in Nigeria have been identified with inability to deliver
effective social returns to the society as a result of inefficiency. Therefore, this study
was carried out to evaluate system theory and effective performance of Nigeria
public establishment. The interest of the study was to examine the cause of inability
of managers in the Nigeria public sector to compete efficiently with their
counterparts in the private sector. The study population was 240 staff of the
Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) headquartered in Ebute Metta, Lagos at
different management levels. Cross sectional survey method was employed, and
sample size of 150 was considered using Spirer (1975) sample technique. 114
copies of questionnaire out of 150 that was distributed representing 76% were
validly filled and returned by the respondents. Regression and Chi-square was used
to analyze the five hypotheses, and the results of the study showed that they were
all statistically significant at 1% level. It was concluded based on the findings of
this study that, system theory has significant relationship with effective
performance, and public enterprises could enhance their performance if they
strategically integrate their systems. Therefore, the study recommended that public
establishments should constantly integrate all the systems in their operations for a
better result in this present ever changing environment.