Industrial Harmony for Academic Excellence: An Imperative for a Productive Educational System in Nigeria (Published)
Industrial harmony enhances labour productivity as one of the critical means of improving performance in the education sector, achieving economic growth, enhancing living standards and quality of life. It creates a peaceful working environment that is attractive to tolerance, dialogue and other alternative means of resolving industrial or labour disputes. It is in this vein that the paper discusses the imperative of industrial harmony for academic excellence and a productive educational system in Nigeria. To ensure harmonious industrial relations, the leader of every institution will need to encourage, open and frank discussion of the institution’s problems with the subordinates; seek the opinion of those doing the institutional job i.e. the staff; explain their discussion to those who have to carry them out; recognize the contributions of all involved in the institutional job; set collaborative goals to encourage team work instead of autocracy and listen to rather than talk at their subordinates. In conclusion, effective and understood grievance procedure that is simple, straightforward, flexible, proactive, responsive, devoid of protocol and time conscious is central to harmonious industrial relations. Above all, promoting visionary and disciplined leadership within our educational system is a key to a conductive environment for learning devoid of corrupt practices and indiscipline.
Keywords: Academic Excellence, Education System, Industrial Harmony, Productivity