TIME MANAGEMENT AMONG MANAGERS IN ORGANISATIONS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Globalisation and the increased competition both in product  and in service organisations today have posed challenges for managers and as such increased efficiency, effectiveness and productivity is demanded.  More attention needs to be given to time management in Nigerian organisations in order to improve productivity both in public and in private sectors.  This study investigated through empirical methods the extent to which managers in Nigeria plan their activities, delegate duties and authority to subordinates. 

Out of 200 managers and top level supervisors/officers sampled in four organizations in Lagos State, 185 respondents responded.   A Likert-Type of questionnaire was used to gather data which was analysed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings reveal that managers in Nigeria generally make short- and long-term plans but very few plan their daily activities.  Those who make “to-do-list” cannot “work-their-plans” due to the schedules of their immediate superiors or even distractions in the workplace and environmental factors.  The extent to which managers in Nigeria do delegation is low.  Most of them prefer to complete their assignments themselves, and this causes pressure and stress.

The study concluded that managers in Nigeria need to adopt various time management techniques including more delegation in order to accomplish goals and objectives.  Recommendations were made for management to organise seminars for their management staff on how to improve time management and productivity.