Administering the Public Service. A Critical Look at the Nexus between Organizational Culture and Employee Professionalism

Abstract

This study, set in Nigeria, focused on the effect of organisational culture on employees' level of professionalism. This is against the backdrop of the appalling services rendered by the Nigerian public service. A mixed method strategy was adopted which revealed interesting insights from 479 senior officers within various government parastatals. Among others, evidence shows that there is a connection between professionalism and organisational behaviour which was revealed when leadership effect, staff conformation, impact of religion and cultural beliefs of individuals were placed against organisational behaviour and employees‟ professionalism. Focus group discussions also established that there is a strong relationship amongst these variables. Interestingly, the disparity in salaries owing to a reform programme that was instituted brought about the lackadaisical approach to service delivery in the public sector. There is also a sense of disgruntlement recorded against arbitrary job placements and other job conditions. Essentially, to facilitate a productive public service we suggest among others the need to hold dearly the interests of the new generation of workers who have sought to take up careers in public service.

Keywords

• organisational structure; professionalism; organisational climate; organisational culture; motivation