The primary purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the current and preferred extent of non-supervisory classified staff employees' participation in university decision-making in Nigeria, as viewed by Nigerian higher level university administrators; (2) to investigate their current level of satisfaction with participation; and (3) to investigate the future trend of their participation in university decision-making.
A three-part questionnaire developed by Allen L. Christian at North Texas State University in 1980 was slightly modified and used in this study. The respondents were 19 higher level university administrators at six Nigerian universities. The data were analyzed using frequency, t-test for related samples, one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe procedure used to test all possible comparisons among the means of the independent variables.
As a result of hypothesis testing, many of the research hypotheses were confirmed and the following conclusions were drawn based on the respondents' opinions. (1) Non-supervisory classified staff employees in Nigerian universities generally do not participate currently in decision-making with regard to policy determination, administrative practices and influence in working conditions. They prefer to participate more in decisions that affect them on their jobs. (2) They are dissatisfied currently with their level of participation in university decision-making. Employee dissatisfaction is related to the lack of institutional responsiveness to non-supervisory employees and their current inability to participate extensively in the internal functioning of their universities. (3) Non-supervisory employees' participation in decision-making will increase internal and interpersonal relations functions, encourage better institutional climate and enhance performance and understanding. (4) University policies, goals and objectives will become very clear to non-supervisory employees when they are encouraged to participate more in university decisions. (5) Participation by non-supervisory staff employees in university decision-making will help them develop their human resources and potentials in order for them to share more effectively in the work they perform in their universities.
