HUMAN RELATION PRACTICE AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF PLASTIC MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN PORT HARCOURT

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Human Relation Practice and Employee Performance of plastic manufacturing firms in Port Harcourt.The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population of this study consisted of 8 plastics manufacturing firms in Rivers State. Questionnaires were retrieved from plastic manufacturing firms in Rivers State who are members of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), and having total employees of 261. The study adopted a census sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled human relation practice and employee performance was used to collect data from respondents. The researcher used research assistant from the 8 plastic manufacturing firms in order to retrieve data from the respondents and in a bit to avoid researcher bias. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for univariate analysis while hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Coefficient Correlation at 0.05 significance level. The study revealed from its findings that there is a significant relationship between communication and work quality of plastic manufacturing firm in Port Harcourt, There is a significant relationship between motivation and work efficiency of plastic manufacturing firm in Port Harcourt, There is a significant relationship between empathy and citizenship behaviour of plastic manufacturing firm in Port Harcourt. The study concluded that human relation practice is imperative and essential for effective employee performance of plastic manufacturing firms in port Harcourt.The study recommended as follows: For effective communication to take place, the barriers to communication must be reduced since they cannot be completely removed. In general, communication should flow in all directions in the organization, the clarity of language used should be concise and the person receiving the contents of the communication should pay attention. Management should motivate employee through appropriate and adequate incentive packages in order to enhance employee performance. Management should share in employee feelings by empathizing  with them. Management should see employee as part of the organization and not as mere working instrument, hence employee problems should be their concern as well in order to enhance employee performance.