Team Management as a Tool for Organizational Performance in Selected Higher Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study is undertaken to unveil how team management could be used as effective tool for organizational performance in selected higher institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. However, the specific objectives of the study were to ascertain the effect of (i) participative leadership of team management on goal attainment (ii) shared responsibility in team management on workers morale (iii) alignment of purpose on employee satisfaction (iv)communication in team management on control over organizational environment. The literature was reviewed along the line of conceptual framework, theoretical framework and empirical review. The study adopted descriptive survey design in which three (3) Institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria were studied. (vis-á-vis IMT, Enugu, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and Enugu State College of Education (Technical). The population of the study was 1605 and the sample size of 963 was obtained using Cochran sample size estimation formula 92005). The sampling selection was stratified sampling method; research instrument used for the study was self-developed structured questionnaire in five point Likert scale, and oral interview guide. Data collected were presented descriptively using tables, frequencies and percentages. The ability test was by Pearson Product Movement Correlation coefficient. The test of hypotheses were performed using simple regression. The major findings of the study were that: participative leadership positively affect organizational goal attainment (r = 36.64, p < 1.96,). Shared responsibility to a large extent significantly affect workers; morale (r = 90.97, p < 1.96). There is positive effect of communication on control over organizational environment (r = 86.64, p < 1.96). The work concludes that team Management has become a veritable tool for organizations that is seeking for improvement in their current developmental status and intend to achieve leadership height in its operating environment. Further, effective and efficient team management remains a tool for establishments seeking and striving to operate in a competitive world. The study recommend that: institutions of higher learning should embrace team development by applying practical skill/strategies to maximize team performance; team work approach should be adopted by higher institutions and other organizations as an integral concept within their organizations, particularly as interventionist strategy to management of situations. Team members should be exposed to several training and development strategies necessary for effective team performance; such areas includes knowledge based competencies like cue strategy associations team mate characteristics, accurate and shared task model and task sequencing and skill based competencies- Adaptability situational awareness. Communications are decision making. Organizations should adequately motivate teams with juicy incentive and rewards to enable them operate efficiently and optimally for the achievement of organizational goals.