Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 23, No. 2, 2025
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/5202.32.0241
An Assessment of Workplace Behaviour and Its Impact on Employee Productivity among Academic Staff of Public Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria
Mustapha Adeyemi Olawoyin
Department of Public Administration, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of workplace behaviour—comprising ethics, management styles, organisational culture, and psychological factors—on employee productivity within public tertiary institutions in Ibadan, Oyo State. Recognising gaps in existing literature, particularly the limited examination of these variables within the context of public tertiary education, the study adopted a descriptive survey design and collected data from 108 staff members selected through simple random sampling across three major institutions. A structured questionnaire, based on validated instruments, was administered to capture the variables of interest. The study used descriptive and inferential statistics, like multiple regression analysis, for data interpretation. Findings revealed a statistically significant composite relationship between workplace behaviour and employee productivity (F = 3.563, p = 0.009), with the model explaining 12.2% of the variance in productivity. In the study, workplace ethics appeared as the only significant predictor. Although management style, organisational culture, and psychological factors showed positive
associations with productivity, they were not statistically significant. The study concludes that while a combination of behavioural factors contributes to productivity, ethics is the most influential. Thus, what exists as an ethical code in the organisation is far from the reality on the ground. As such, promoting a transformational leadership style, a culture of flexibility, making decisions, and prioritizing employee well-being is recommended. Theoretically, the study affirms Kantian ethics as a valuable lens for understanding workplace behaviour. Overall, the research contributes to organisational behaviour literature and provides actionable insights for improving productivity in Nigeria’s public education sector.
Keywords: Workplace behaviour, workplace ethics, organisational culture, management style, psychological factors