Systems Approach to Address Human Resource Issues: A Case in a Commercial Livestock Farm in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focused on human resource issues in a private sector organization. The study adopted a qualitative approach, using Systemic Intervention to identify and develop solutions to tackling human resource issues through the engagement of relevant stakeholders in the organizational operations. Interviews, workshops, and boundary critique were used for data collection. Collected data were sorted for thematic analysis. Critical issues identified in the research process included frequent junior staff turnover challenges, general human resource security, junior staff’s educational qualification, and irregular work schedule. Findings showed that joint participation in the research process enables learning among participants from across the case study organization structure. It also provided a significant platform for the exploration of diverse opinions and perspectives of participants. A reflection on the qualitative methodology showed the usefulness of combining techniques and methods from different methods in addressing complex human resource issues. However, it is noted that the implementation of developed solutions requires continuous evaluation to maintain effectiveness in systemic intervention. The study concluded with the suggestion for further research to use various methods to explore the influence(s) of external factors on internal human resource challenges, especially in the private sector and a developing economy such as Nigeria.