Organisational decision-making experiences of Nigerian polytechnics

Abstract

The significance of participatory decision-making has received world wide acclamation by management scholars. This study, therefore, focused on the nature of participation, pattern of participation and the appropriateness or otherwise of rational participatory decision-making processes in polytechnics in northern Nigeria. It was found that other than Heads of Departments and Deans, other academic staff are not involved in the decision-making processes in polytechnics in northern Nigeria. Where decision-making involved other members of staff, expertise and competence were crucial for selecting who participates. Autocratic pattern of decision-making was found to be the commonest among the institutions. Based on these informed findings, relevant and practicable recommendations have been advanced to improve the practice of decision-making in the polytechnics.