WORKING TOOLS AND EMPLOYEES’ MISBEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The main thrust of this study was to investigate the nexus between working tools and employee misbehaviour in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effect of accessibility of working tools, such as medical and laboratory equipment, office stationery, office furniture, office accommodation and power supply, on employee attitude to work in University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The study hypothesised that the independent variable (working tools) has no relationship with the dependent variable (employee misbehaviour). General strain theory was adopted as theoretical framework for the study. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design and a quantitative method of data collection and analysis. The instrument for data collection was a 30-item questionnaire. Data were elicited from 361 respondents who were conveniently selected from twelve (12) departments in the University of Calabar. The respondents were selected from various faculties, departments, units, and centres in the University of Calabar. The data generated were analysed using statistical methods such as linear regression and simple percentage analysis. Findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between working tools and employee misbehaviour in the University of Calabar. Thus, the study recommended, among others, that the University of Calabar management should ensure that working tools such as medical and laboratory equipment, office stationery, office furniture, office accommodation and power supply are made available to employees at all times, as this will build a positive mental picture of the working environment for the employees which will in turn reduce the tendency for organisational misbehaviour or misconduct such as absenteeism, insubordination, truancy, dereliction and abandonment of duty, among others. Article visualizations: