WORKERS SOLIDARITY AND INDUSTRIAL GOAL ATTAINMENT OF OIL SERVICING FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between workers' solidarity and industrial goal attainment within oil servicing firms operating in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research specifically investigated the connections between mutual support and workforce stability, as well as between shared values and profitability. The study was anchored on Social Exchange Theory. A correlational survey design was employed, with data collected via questionnaire from 102 managers and supervisors across 17 registered firms. The data were analysed using Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient. The results revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between mutual support and workforce stability, indicating that greater cooperation among employees is associated with higher retention and commitment. Furthermore, a strong and significant positive relationship was found between shared values and profitability, suggesting that alignment of employee and organizational values enhances financial performance. These findings underscore the critical role of social dynamics, such as solidarity, in achieving key industrial objectives within the high-risk and technically demanding context of the oil servicing sector. The study concludes that fostering mutual support and shared values among workers is instrumental for improving workforce stability and profitability, thereby contributing to the overall goal attainment of firms. It was recommended among others that oil servicing firms should implement team-building programs and peer-support initiatives to strengthen mutual support among employees, thereby enhancing workforce stability.