ABSTRACT
This study is on Managing Industrial Relations in Federal Teaching Hospitals. The
objectives of study are to: examine the nature of industrial relations system in the
Federal Teaching Hospital in the South East Nigeria; ascertain the nature of rules
guiding industrial relations in Federal Teaching Hospitals in the South East Nigeria;
ascertain whether industrial relations promote harmony in Federal Teaching Hospitals
in the South East Nigeria; identify the major challenges of managing industrial
relations in Federal Teaching Hospitals in the South East Nigeria. Data for this
research were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The study had a
population size of 2160, out of which a sample size of 338 was realized using Taro
Yamane’s statistical formula. Survey research design was adopted. Friedman Chisquare
(X2) and Z-test were used to test the hypotheses. To ensure that the research
instruments are valid, a conduct of a pre-test of every question in the questionnaire
was carried out.
For reliability of the research instruments, a test-re-test method was
adopted using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient of reliability to
calculate the result and the result gave reliability coefficient of 0.98. Findings indicate
that; there is a smooth industrial relations system between management and workers
in Federal Teaching Hospitals in the South East Nigeria; there are standard and
positive rules guiding industrial relations in Federal Teaching Hospitals in the South
East Nigeria; Industrial relations promote harmony in Federal Teaching Hospitals in
the South East Nigeria; industrial disputes and strikes are the major challenges of
managing industrial relations in Federal Teaching Hospitals in the South East Nigeria.
Based on the findings, the study recommends that there should be adequate salaries,
allowances and incentives for workers in order to boost workers morale and enhance
better industrial harmony. Management should create a good working environment
that can motivate employees to be committed to their organizations. Management
should involve their employees in decision making concerning industrial related
matters that may result to conflict.
