Promoting performance through industrial relations management practices of manufacturing firms in South –South Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of industrial relations management practices on the performance of manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, it evaluated the effects of employer-employee relations, labour relations, group relations, and public relations on firm performance. To achieve the study's objectives, four research questions were raised and four hypotheses were formulated. Relevant literature was reviewed to provide theoretical and empirical grounding. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 385 employees drawn from four selected manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria. Using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table, a sample of 191 respondents was selected. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed significant relationships between each dimension of industrial relations management (employer-employee relations, labour relations, group relations, and public relations) and the performance of manufacturing firms. The study concluded that sound industrial relations management practices foster employee satisfaction, enhance productivity, support policy development, and create a work environment that promotes motivation, morale, and positive attitudes. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by empirically establishing the multidimensional impact of industrial relations management practices on firm performance within the manufacturing sector in South-South Nigeria—a region with limited prior focus in industrial relations research. The study provides practical insights for managers and policymakers on how specific aspects of industrial relations can drive organizational performance. It also enriches the literature by integrating multiple facets of industrial relations (employer-employee, labour, group, and public relations) into a unified performance framework for manufacturing firms.